"And I tell you, ask and you will receive."

“Teach us how to pray,” the disciples asked Jesus in the Gospel for Sunday, July 28, 2013. This is the longing of our souls. We want to pray. We want to be with God.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 28, 2013 (17C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Should we hold hands during the "Our Father?"

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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
Book of Genesis, Chapter 18, Verses 20-32

1. Abraham keeps bargaining with God. What do you learn about God in this story? How does God respond to Abraham’s persistence? What does this tell you about God’s justice and mercy?

2. What do you learn about Abraham in the story? What behavior of his would you like to imitate? What is each one, God and Abraham, willing to do because of their covenant?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 138: 1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

1. Our psalmist affirms that God answers our needs, "Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me." Give an example of how your prayers have been answered at a critical time in your life.

2. The Psalm reminds us that although the Lord is exalted, He sees the lowly. What is it that gives you confidence that the Lord will not forsake you, even though He is exalted and you are among the lowly ones.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 2, Verses 12-14

1. Christ took us as partners when he “obliterated the bond against us.” He tore down the wall so God could establish a new covenant with us. What does this covenant mean to you? Does it affect your prayers when you are asking God for something?

2. Jesus nailed all that separates us from God to the cross. What does that mean to you?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 11, Verses 1-13

1. Do you get the impression that you will really have to do some fast talking or that God is just waiting for you to ask so he can give you what you need? Jesus refers to the Father giving the Holy Spirit. What does the Holy Spirit know about your needs?

2. How are God and the sleeping father in the parable similar? How are they different? Do you have confidence that God will hear you when you knock on his door? What do the readings this week do for your confidence?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

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"It is Christ in you."

In this Sunday’s second reading from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, Paul speaks about a mystery, “a mystery that has been hidden for ages is now manifested to God’s Holy Ones. The mystery is this: Christ is in you.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 21, 2013 (16C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Is Superstition a Sin?

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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
Book of Genesis, Chapter 18, Verses 1-10

1. What does this story of Abraham’s hospitality signify? What part of the story is most meaningful to you? Why? Why do you think God intervened in human history?

2. Do you think Abraham went overboard in welcoming the three men? What determines your degree of hospitality?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 15: 2-3, 3-4, 5

1. Our psalmist David asks us once again, "Who may dwell on God's holy mountain?" Drawing from the verses of the Psalm, speak of what you are doing to draw closer to God.

2. The Psalm says that one who thinks the truth in his heart will live in the presence of the Lord. Describe how you are making sure you have a pure heart so as to gain favor with God.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verses 24-28

1. “I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body.” Where is the “lack”? What happens to people when they unite their suffering with Christ’s for other people?

2. Does knowing Christianity as a religion change your attitude toward suffering with Christ for others? What will your attitude be if you know Christ as a real person?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 38-42

1. Are you Martha or Mary? Are you a little of each? Was Martha wrong and Mary right? Which is an example of ministry to others and its roots?

2. Would you too be agitated with Mary for not pitching into the preparations? Is it possible to prepare dinner while sitting “beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak?” How is it possible to be contemplative and active in ministry both at the same time?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

"And who is my neighbor?"

On Sunday, we will hear a very well known portion of St. Luke’s Gospel – the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). It is fascinating to observe the progression of this episode to teach a beautiful lesson on being a good neighbor. 

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 14, 2013 (15C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Is it better to help in secular or Church work?

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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
Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 30, Verses 10-14

1. Sometimes organized religion develops lists of involved codes and rules like the ones that Moses refers to in this reading. What do you think inspired these codes?

2. Where does every person find God’s commandment? Jesus said the commandments are: love God and love your neighbor. Do you find yourself relying on the codes and guidelines more than on the underlying commandment?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11

1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is, "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life." Tell of how God's commandments are for you uplifting and nourishing.

2. Our psalmist says that God's ordinances are for him 'sweeter than honey.' Explain what this verse means to you.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verses 15-20

1. With whom did Jesus spend time? After all, he was “Christ Jesus, the one who is before all things, the firstborn of all creation.” With whom do you want to spend time? Do you make an effort to give time to God and the people you love or are you always in a hurry to do more important things?

2. The reading says that Christ reconciled all things, making peace by the blood of his cross. In the story of the Good Samaritan, what are the things that need reconciling? What still needs reconciling in the besieged environment today? In the arena of human rights? How can you share in the work of creation, redemption and renewal?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 25-37

1. If you found the victim by the road, would you be willing to help? Can you think of someone else who would? If the victim in the story were your neighbor or your friend would you be more willing to act like the Good Samaritan? So what is Jesus telling us? What is it that makes all people neighbors?

2. Think of the Good Samaritan story in terms of today’s world. How might you care for people when they can’t walk; bandage them when they are wounded; make arrangements decent shelter?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

"Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals."

In verse 4 of today's Gospel, Jesus addresses the disciples, whom He is sending out into the field, "Carry no purse, no backpacks, no sandals."


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 7, 2014 (14C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Who is the Church?

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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
Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 66, Verses 10-14

1. Salvation history started in the Old Testament, moved through the New and continues today. Do you think God’s love changed over all this time or is it the same? Why do you say so?

2. Compare Jerusalem in this reading with the Church today. What treasure has the Church received from God that gives her children great comfort?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 66:  1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

1. Our Psalmist invites us to, "Come and see the works of God."  Give an example of the awesome power of God in your life.

2. The verses of the psalm say, "Blessed be God who refused me not."   Tell of how the Lord has answered your plea and your prayer.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 6, Verses 14-18

1. “For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision.” Some people wanted to follow the ancient practices. Paul did not. Can you relate to this kind of problem in your home? Your work? Your Church?

2. St. Paul looks at the circumcision situation from the perspective of “the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Can you envision problems in today’s Church from that point of view? Standing vs. kneeling, women vs. men, inclusive language or not, and which style of music is played?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 1-12, 17-20

1. Jesus sent seventy-two disciples out because at the time there were seventy-two known nations. What would such symbolism mean in our times? Are you one of the people sent out?

2. Jesus sends us “like lambs to the wolves, without money, backpacks or sandals.” In what ways are you a laborer in this abundant harvest? What happens when a lamb meets a wolf? If you are the lamb, then who are the wolves he sends you out to? Is there anything good about being without money?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

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