"Strive to enter through the narrow gate"

Last Sunday, our Lord left us with the challenge to be decisive for the Kingdom and to stand for him. Continuing the Gospel of Luke (Luke 13:22-30) on Sunday, he makes clear what decisiveness and standing for him means: “Enter into the narrow door.”
 
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 25, 2013 (21C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Lukewarm Catholic or on-fire Protestant? What's better?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.-------------------------------------------

First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 66, Verses 18-21

1. The Israelites were the chosen people. They remain so. But God extended the same “chosenness” to others. How has this worked out through the ages? Have Christians always honored their ancestors, the Jewish people?

2. It was God’s plan to save all humankind from the beginning. What can you do to make others welcome? What encourages exclusivity? Can you think of anything your parish or the Church in general could do to be more inclusive?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 117: 1, 2

1. Our Psalmist is inspired by the power of God's love toward us. Speak of how God's love and mercy have done a work in your life.

2. The Psalm prompts us to witness to those who may be distant from us spiritually. Give an example of how you proclaim the Good News to those who may not know God.

Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 12, Verses 5-7, 11-13

1. The second reading says that we should “strengthen our drooping hands and our weak knees.” What happens to athletes who don’t work out? Can you become spiritually “flabby?” Do you ever “exercise” spiritually on your own? How? What good does St. Paul say will come from such “discipline?”

2. From what you know of the lives of the saints, did/does God handle the saints with “kid gloves”? Does God handle you with kid gloves? Would you like that? What is the relationship between God’s love and hardships along the spiritual path?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 13, Verses 22-30

1. “We ate and drank in your company.” Is a membership in a particular church an automatic “opening” of the narrow gate? What opens the narrow gate for you?

2. Can people of all religions receive grace? Is the narrow gate open to all of humankind? Discuss.

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below 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.

"You also must be prepared"

The Gospel reading this Sunday continues the theme of last Sunday’s teaching on what life is all about. From his admonition to detach ourselves from material possessions, the Lord now exhorts us to seek God’s Kingdom, urging us to remain faithful and vigilant; prepared for the coming of the Lord (Luke 12:32-48).

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 11, 2013 (19C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: What is Faith?"

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 18, Verses 6-9

1. What gave the Israelites the courage to begin their journey into the unknown desert land? Are you certain enough of God’s covenant with us that you can carry out a “leap of faith”? How do you make smaller leaps, maybe hops, of faith in your everyday life?

2. Besides their covenant with God what else do the Jewish people celebrate in this reading? How does the reading look ahead?

Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 11, Verses 1-2, 8-19

1. God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants. What do you think Abraham was thinking about during his nightmare test offering of his only child? How is your trust? Can you relate to this story in any way?

2. Abraham was called to an unknown country. Do you feel you are on uncharted faith-ground sometimes? Who helps you with certainty and responsibility in these unmapped areas of faith? Why would God ever call you to unknown places? What tests your faith?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 12, Verses 32-48

1. Jesus promised his disciples (and us) the kingdom. What is the treasure? What do you have to do to make it yours? In the parable the master knocks on the door and expects the servant to be waiting for him and let him in. Will you be ready when Jesus knocks on your door? How might you prepare to make sure you are always ready?

2. “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” What does that mean to you? Where do you want your heart to be?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below 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.

"Take care to guard against all greed"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 4, 2013 (18C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Does God want you to be rich?"

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 1, Verse 2; Chapter 2, Verses 21-23

1. Think of the “toil and anxiety of heart with which you labor under the sun.” Is there m more of it than you want in your life? How can you balance the toil and anxiety with what makes you happy?

2.This reading is about priorities. Do yours occasionally need to be rearranged? Do you take time to work? Pray? Be with family, friends? Read? Laugh? Play? Do you neglect any of these areas? Why?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 90:  3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

1.  Our Psalm Response this Sunday is, "If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts."  How would you apply these words to the Psalm's message about using our time wisely?

2.  The Psalm ends with a petition that the Lord will "prosper the work of our hands!"  How do we be sure that our work will gain the favor of the Lord? 


Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 3, Verses 1-5, 5-11

1.”Seek what is above.” What do you seek? Where do/will you look for it? Is what your country seeks something from “above”? What would you like to see the Church seek?

2. Christ is your life. Does that mean you will never have trouble with what St. Paul calls “your earthly parts”? He gives a long list of them (passion, evil desire, etc.) How do you let Christ help with ”putting those parts to death”?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 12, Verses 13-21

1.This Gospel discusses people “who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.” What do you think “matters” to God? In what would you like to be rich?

2. Many would determine your worth as a person by the greatness of your house or your portfolio or the make of your car. What is the key factor in helping you determine the worth of a person? Can anyone have much and still give much?

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. Share your reflections below.