"Today salvation has come to this house"

In the Sunday Gospel for Nov. 3, 2013, Zacchaeus demonstrated his love for Jesus by making an effort to see him. For his part, Jesus demonstrated His love for Zacchaeus in particular, and for all men in general, by inviting himself to stay at Zacchaeus' house. What a marvelous exchange! Love for love!

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 3, 2013 (31C)
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: Why do we pray for the dead?

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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 11, Verses 22-26; Chapter 12, Verses 1-2

1. “For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made.” What things do you think of when you hear this? God’s attitude toward every created thing is love. What is your attitude? How do you show reverence for creation? For your neighbor?

2. This reading is about God’s transcendence (God beyond our limits or so far above us). At the same time it is about God’s imminence (“Your Spirit is in all things,” He pitched his tent among us, God with us, at home with us). How do you feel about God when you think of these two attributes?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14

1. Our psalmist asks us (His faithful ones) to speak of God's might and discourse of the glory of God's kingdom.Give an example of how you have complied with our psalmist's appeals.

2. We are assured by the Psalm that the Lord lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Share how your faith has been strengthened by any hardships you may have undergone.

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians,
Chapter 1, Verses 11-12; Chapter 2, Verses 1-2

1. When you are “shaken out of your mind” on your spiritual journey, do you think God can use your fellow believers or even non-believers to help you out? Give some examples of how this might work.

2. Paul wanted the Thessalonians to know that he was constantly praying for them. Does it help you to know people are praying for you? Explain. Does it help you to pray for people? Why?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 19, Verses 1-10

1. Was it out of the ordinary for a man to climb a tree in order to see? Was it out of the ordinary for a holy man to go to a “sinner’s” house for dinner? Was it ordinary for someone repenting to give half of all his possessions to the poor? How do you explain this? What extreme or extraordinary behavior does knowing Jesus Christ elicit from you?

2. Zacchaeus used the tree to observe Jesus. What would you do if you wanted to “see” where the Holy Spirit is and what it is doing in the world today?

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"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled"

One of Luke's favorite themes, the reversal brought about by the coming of Jesus, is beautifully illustrated in the Sunday Gospel (30C) for Oct. 27, 2013. The story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is directed to a particular kind of people: those who were law-abiding in their own eyes but who looked down on everyone else. 

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 27, 2013 (30C)
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: What is conscience?

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

First Reading
Book of Sirach, Chapter 35, Verses 12-14, 16-18

1. “The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds.” How are the orphan, widow and oppressed mentioned in the reading, lowly or humble? Name some people you know who fit this description. What does humility look like on them? How is your humility; are you honest with God?

2. Do you do anything when you hear the cry of the oppressed, the wail of the orphan or the widow’s complaint? Is there something you could do that you are not doing now, to help anyone in need?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

1. The Psalm tells us that God lifts up those who are crushed in spirit. However difficult it may be for us to be humble in spirit, we can speak of how gratifying it is for us to depend solely on the Lord for our salvation. Tell of what this means to you personally.

2. The verses of the Psalm tell us how to be sure that our prayers are heard. Our psalmist encourages us to have a right relationship with the Lord before we pray. What is it that you do to be sure that your prayers reach the ears of the Lord?

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Chapter 4, Verses 6-8, 16-18

1. Do you feel like you are being “poured out like a libation” sometimes, or that everyone has deserted you? What do you think Paul did to combat these feelings in himself? What do you think would help you?

2. Paul was rescued from the lion’s mouth and he trusted that he would be safe from every evil threat. What are the evil threats to the Church? What are threats to you? How is your trust?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 18, Verses 9-14

1. If you were in God’s place, what kind of prayers would you answer first? Is the Pharisee saying the prayer to God or to himself?

2. The Pharisee set himself off from the rest of humanity. Are you like him in any way? Do you set yourself apart from others? In what way? And, are there ways you are like the tax collector?

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"Pray always without becoming weary"

Last Sunday, we learned through a “foreigner” that faith not only heals but also saves. This Sunday, October 20, 2013, in our Gospel reading from Luke 18:1-8, Our Lord gives us the example of a widow who - in faith - perseveres in prayer and thereby obtains what she asks for.



Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 20, 2013 (29C)
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: What does "pray without ceasing" mean?

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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 Exodus, Chapter 17, Verses 8-13

1. Could Moses have kept his hands raised (or “prayed constantly”) without the help of his friends? Can you relate to this story in any way? Discuss ways you can let friends support you when you can’t manage something by yourself. And how about you: whom do you support spiritually?

2. In this reading some people were at battle and some were at prayer. The outcome of the battle was determined by the prayer. How important do you think prayer is to the success of your ministry?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 121: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

1. Our psalmist says that the Lord is beside you at your right hand. Speak of what it is that reassures you of the Lord's protection on your journey.

2. The Psalm is about the power of prayer and of trust in the Lord. Give an example of how you have persisted in prayer and obtained the Lord's help in overcoming difficulty.

Second Reading
Letter to Timothy Chapter 3, Verses 14-17, Chapter 4, Verses 1-2

1. What task does Paul lay on you in this reading? What instruction book does he give you to carry out the task?

2. Is proclaiming the Word of God central to all the activities of the Church? To your parish? To your life? How do you proclaim the Word of God in your work?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 18, Verses 1-8

1. Jesus Christ is telling the story. What does he want to make clear to you about petitioning God? Discuss this statement: “When you pray for rain, take an umbrella” (Fr. Paul Coutino).

2. Jesus promises that God will answer our prayers speedily. Does that help your confidence? How does faith relate to persistence? How does this Gospel make you feel?

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"Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"

Sunday Gospel for October 13, 2013 (28C) offers a striking image for the sacrament. Ten lepers approach Jesus, seeking cleansing. The disease not only consumed their flesh, but separated them from the worshipping community. In contrast to other miracles, Jesus does not heal them instantaneously. Rather he gives a command which, as we shall see, had a trajectory far beyond first century Palestine.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-eigth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 13, 2013 (28C)
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: "Why the rituals for the lepers to be cured?"

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

First Reading
Second Book of Kings, Chapter 5, Verses 14-17

1. Naaman was expecting special and involved treatment. Maybe he doubted the ordinary directions from Elisha to wash in the river. How could this be sufficient to cure his leprosy? Which do you think God uses more often to communicate with you, extraordinary signs or ordinary things? Explain.

2. Have you ever brought sand, shells, rocks, anything from foreign places back to your home? What does Naaman’s transporting of holy ground back to Syria say to you?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9

1. Our psalmist encourages us not to harden our hearts when we hear God's voice. Do you find it difficult sometimes to carry out God's will in your life even if you believe He is speaking to you? Give an example.

2. The psalm reminds us that we are like sheep and the Lord is our shepherd. Are you willing to be just an ordinary sheep among His flock? If so, what does it mean to you to be shepherded by the Lord?

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Chapter 2, Verses 8-13

1. Name some people you think have suffered for the gospel. Who suffers for the gospel today? Do you? In what ways?

2. “I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus.” How could this work? Is Paul saying that your suffering is linked with the salvation of others? Besides the ones you love, are you connected anyone in need of salvation?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 17, Verses 11-19

1. The ten lepers stood at a distance, waiting for Jesus. Who stands at the margins of society today waiting to be healed or accepted? Is there any little thing that you can do to help heal a person’s wounds?

2. Here and in the First Reading it was the foreigners, Naaman and the Samaritan, who were grateful for their healing. Did God give generously regardless of gratitude or ingratitude? Do you give of yourself or your goods when you suspect ingratitude? Are you always grateful when God pours grace into your life?

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"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed"

Last Sunday’s Gospel ended with a warning from Jesus: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” This Sunday's Gospel from Luke 16: 19 - 31 tells about a man who thought that he could, but failed; to his detriment. We are enjoined to be detached from material things in order to have the freedom to fulfill God's plan for our lives.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 6, 2013 (27C)
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: "Is it Better to Pray or To Study the Faith?"

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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 Habakkuk,
Chapter 1, Verses 2-3; Chapter 2, Verses 2-4

1. Can you relate to Habakkuk? He could no longer endure violence, abuse and oppression everywhere in the world? Where do the challenges of discipleship come for you?

2. What helps you survive misery in your life? In a tough situation, can your faith sustain you? Don’t you need to take it out and exercise it in lesser matters In order to be ready?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9

1. Our psalmist encourages us not to harden our hearts when we hear God's voice. Do you find it difficult sometimes to carry out God's will in your life even if you believe He is speaking to you? Give an example.

2. The psalm reminds us that we are like sheep and the Lord is our shepherd. Are you willing to be just an ordinary sheep among His flock? If so, what does it mean to you to be shepherded by the Lord?

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Chapter 1, Verses 6-8, 13-14

1. Paul mentions some virtues: power (strength), love and self-control (wisdom). What should these look like in religious leaders today? What qualities would a strong, wise and loving leader possess? How do you measure up as a leader?

2. Discuss authoritarianism, empathy, and openness as signs of strength or weakness.

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 17, Verses 5-10

1. Is quantity an issue when it comes to faith? What did Jesus tell the apostles that an infinitely small amount of faith would do? Do you realize the power your faith contains?

2. Have you had experience with faith “moving mountains,” or as this reading has it, “uprooting mulberry trees”? Do you find that your faith can move more mountains in the spiritual realm or the material one?

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Please share in the box below your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.