This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. This feast has tremendous meaning for the Catholic family. Our call to holiness, to be separate for the Lord, forms our families into little Churches.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Dec. 30, 2012 (HolyFamilyC)
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: Why was Jesus born in a manger?

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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 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28
Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14

1. Which Holy Family does this feast celebrate, Jesus, Mary and Joseph? Or the Christmas family of God that we all became? Explain.

2. God units each of us to each other by uniting us to the Trinity. Discuss. Does God’s love for someone help you to love that person?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 84: 2-3, 5-6, 9-10

1. Our psalmist speaks of a pilgrimage for those who seek to dwell in the house of the Lord. Tell of how your journey is going and how far along you are in seeking the Lord.

2. The psalm tells of a soul that is yearning for the Lord. In what way do you also cry out for the living God?

Second Reading
1 John 3:1-2, 21-24
Colossians 3:12-21

1. What does the term “children of God” imply about God? St. John says we can have confidence in God and receive from him whatever we ask. What kinds of things do you ask for?

2. In Sunday’s reading from Colossians, St. Paul mentions ways that we can love each other and live together: compassion, kindness, humility, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving each other…Is this easy? How are you doing with it in your life? How are we as Church doing with this assignment?

Gospel
Luke 2:41-52

1. The Gospel tells us that even the holy family had some rough spots. Separation is part of these, but also part of life. Talk about the lesson for you in all the various kinds of families you are a part.

2. Imagine Mary’s and Joseph’s unease when they were looking for Jesus for three whole days. And imagine the long-term anxiety his answer gave them: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” How do you think Mary reacted? Have you ever had problems of this nature? How did you handle them?

Sunday Bible Study Group

Please share your thoughts on these Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.
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"Blessed are you among women"

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Advent - the final Sunday before Christmas. With this Fourth Sunday, we change our focus. The past two Sundays have centered on the ascetic, somewhat fierce figure of John the Baptist. Today we focus on a young, gentle woman, who is about to give birth to a child. Her name is Mary.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 23, 2012 (4AdvC)
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: Do Catholics "worship" Mary?

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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
Micah 5:1-4a

1. With “embracing the majestic ruler” at one end of the continuum and “embracing poverty” at the other, where do you think the Church falls? Why? Where would you like to see it fall? Explain.

2. If you were expecting a majestic ruler how would you have felt about the stable and manger? When you experience poverty in your life, do you accept it as a meeting place with God or do you run from it?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19

1. The Psalm says, 'Lord, make us turn to you ....' Have you noticed at times when we stray off His path how the Lord tugs at each of us so that we return to His ways. Give an example from your own experience.

2. Our psalmist is writing about the scattered people of Israel, but his words may apply to each of us in our separation from God. In what way are you inspired by the Psalm's verses to repent and seek renewal, especially during this season of Advent?

Second Reading
Hebrews 10:5-10

1. Why do you think this reading about the “offering of the body of Christ” was chosen for the fourth Sunday of Advent?

2. St. Paul said “by this ‘will’ we have been consecrated,” once for all. That means we have been made holy (by association with Christ), have been set aside. Why is Christ’s sacrifice infinitely effective?

Gospel
Luke 1:39-45

1. The infant “leaped for joy” in his mother’s womb at the recognition of the savior. Discuss this moment as humankind’s welcome to the savior. How close do you come to “leaping for joy” when you recognize God’s presence in your life?

2. Where does Mary’s greatness lie in salvation history? For her part Elizabeth was given an insight when the babe in her womb leapt. How did Mary know about her own child? When the Holy Spirit gives you insights, do you always believe them and perhaps even act on them?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts on these Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.
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"But one mightier than I is coming."

We will celebrate with gratitude the Lord's coming among us in the past on Christmas. Advent, however, is a time to affirm our faith that the Lord's coming is also a present and future reality for which we must prepare. We too ask, "What should we do?"


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 16, 2012 (3AdvC)
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 the Old Testament root of Baptism?

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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
Zephaniah 3:14-18a

1 ”He will sing joyfully because of you.” This sentence paints a picture. What are some examples in the world about which you might say, “Listen! God is singing!”?

2. “Be not discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst.” This reading says it twice. Have you ever remembered the presence of God in everyday life? In the middle of a crisis? What effect did it

Responsorial Psalm
Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4, 5-6

1. Our Response this Sunday is, 'Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.' Describe how you prepare to receive Jesus inside your heart during this season of Advent.

2. Isaiah says, 'My strength and my courage is the Lord.' Explain what this verse means to you, especially at this time of the year.

Second Reading
Philippians 4:4-7

1. St. Paul says we must rejoice in the Lord always, be kind to all, lose anxiety, make our requests known to God, and thank God as though he has already granted the requests. This is a long list. Are you better at some than others? Which ones need improvement?

2. Maybe you rejoice when you are singing at Mass on Sunday. Are there other times during the week that you experience the same kind of joy? What makes you happy in the Lord?

Gospel
Luke 3:10-18

1. What kind of people went to hear John and repent? Would you show up to hear someone like John today? What would you want to see and hear? Can people be prophets even though their looks or behavior is a departure from the norm? Do you know any prophets? Discuss.

2. The tax collectors, soldiers and others asked John what they should do to be forgiven and prepare to start a new life. He told them to share their food and clothing with the poor, and to be honest and just with their neighbors. How do you think he would answer if you asked him that question today?

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.

"And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

The theme of all the readings for this Sunday is salvation. Luke’s gospel (Luke 3:1-6) and the first two readings (Baruch 5:1-9 and Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11) speak about it in different ways. Salvation is God’s free gift. He saves us out of His love and from him alone can our salvation come. The Responsorial Psalm describes it very well with this phrase: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 9, 2012 (2AdvC)
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: Can non-Catholic people go to heaven?

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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
Baruch 5:1-9

1. In the First Reading, Baruch wrote a message of hope for the People of God, suffering in exile. Where are the valleys in the life of the People of God today? Where are mountains? What about your personal life?

2. God gave Jerusalem the name “the Peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship.” Does this name fit us today? What would you like God to rename your parish, your community, you?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 126: 1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

1. Our psalmist reminds us, 'We are filled with joy,' because the Lord has done great things for us! Tell of how these verses speak to you during this Advent season of the arrival of our incarnate Lord.

2. The Psalm says, 'Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.' Describe how repentance has led to salvation in your spiritual life.

Second Reading
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

1. Discernment is listening to the Spirit in a given human situation. A discerning person celebrates Advent (watches for God’s coming) all year round. Discuss.

2. “The one who began a good work in you will complete it” if you remain on the path or The Way, St. Paul says. Who is the instigator of the good work in you? Does this imply that you trust yourself or trust God to complete these works?

Gospel
Luke 3:1-6


1. Why does Luke belabor all the historical references in the beginning of this reading? Would we find those names in history books?

2. What is the significance of the sentence, “All flesh shall see the salvation of God”? What are the implications for the Church if the entire world is included in this plan? What are the implications for you?

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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