"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more."

We can say that one theme in the readings today is that of giving of oneself totally and not just giving something we have over, having looked after our own needs. For someone who is well-off it is relatively easy to contribute something to worthwhile causes like famine relief or helping the education of children in poorer countries etc., and that is very good indeed. We may find it easy to give time and attention to the family but much more difficult to give ourselves fully. So the call to us as Christians is not only to give something but also to give ourselves.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 11, 2012 (32B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What is Conscience?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
1 Kings 17:10-16

1. The widow is asked to give away the last bits of flour reserved for her final meal. As a result she receives a jar of flour that doesn’t ever go empty—but she didn’t know that when she gave her last bits away. What kind of a leap of faith would such an action require? Is there any way you can relate to this situation?

2. God rewarded the widow in this reading. Are there usually rewards for helping others? How does one develop a habit of giving? On a scale of one to ten, rate your ability to give.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 146: 7, 8-9, 9-10

1. Our psalmist promises that the Lord will secure justice for the oppressed and set captives free. In what ways have you been imprisoned, and how has the Lord set you free?

2. The Psalm says the Lord gives food to the hungry. Describe how the Lord has given you real food and drink to satisfy your hunger for a closer relationship with Him.

Second Reading
Hebrews 4:12-13

1. Two widows make sacrifices, one in the First Reading and one in the Gospel. Compare Christ’s sacrifice with these.

2. What did God the Father give away?

Gospel
Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

1. Why does Jesus direct the disciples’ attention to this widow giving her last pennies? Is reward mentioned in this reading? Do you think she will get any reward?

2. Why would the widow give her last coins away? Does Jesus’ comment explain why? Can you do what she did? How close can you come?

Sunday Bible Study Group

Please share your thoughts online on the Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.
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