"No prophet is accepted in his own native place."

The gospel reading for this Sunday, Luke 4:21-30, continues the story we heard last Sunday. Jesus stood up in the Synagogue of Nazareth and proclaimed the Word of God. His reading of the scriptures was fine, the real problem occurred when he came to the sermon. First of all they are astonished and amazed and even proud of him; but then as they began to realise the implication of his words their admiration turned to anger and they chased him out of town even, at one point, trying to push him over a cliff. 
 
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 3, 2013 (4C)
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: Should Mass be offered for those who oppose Church teachings?

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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
Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19

1. Obstinate people present themselves to Jeremiah and Jesus this Sunday. Why do people resist a prophet’s profound call to peace and justice? Do you always accept “radical messages” right away? Is there some injustice about which you can no longer remain silent? What would you like to rouse people to do?

2. “For it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: against Judah’s kings and princes, against the priests and people.” Do disagreements within the Church or within your parish sometimes take place? Is this a bad thing? Discuss the idea that growth involves some tension.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 71: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17

1. Our psalmist says that from his mother's womb God was his strength. Describe how you as a child of God derive strength and hope from the Lord.

2. The psalmist cries out to God to rescue him 'from the hand of the wicked, from the clutches of the evil and violent.' Speak of how you have been delivered by the Lord from the clutches of the evil one.

Second Reading
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 or 13:4-13

1. What is the only thing you take with you when you die? Do you think you can expand your capacity for love by exercising the giving and receiving of love? Do you think that love is the prime mover in all that you do? That the Church does?

2. Why is this Second Reading placed in the middle of two readings where prophets are trying to change people’s attitudes or hearts? What changes people for the better? Name some things that love does in your life.

Gospel
Luke 4:21-30

1. Both Jeremiah and Jesus provoked people in God’s name. Then they escaped from the danger that resulted. What are the implications for us? What did God promise us?

2. Jesus said, “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” Do you think prophets care if they are accepted or not? Do you know anyone whom you would consider a prophet? What do you think changed them from “ordinary person” to “prophet”?

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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