"Therefore, stay awake!"

Each of the lessons for this first Sunday in Advent, Dec. 1, 2013, talk of expectations for the future. And in each case it is while people are doing ordinary things – things like eating, drinking, marrying, working in the fields or grinding grain. These people are not described as doing anything wrong or bad, but are not living with awareness that the day of the Lord could come at any time. The clear message in this Gospel is: "Be ready" and "be prepared.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Advent, Dec. 1, 2013 (1AdvA)
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 Don't you Read the Bible?

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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 2, Verses 1-5

1. Come, listen to instruction, don’t fight. This was the mesage Isaiah proclaimed to all the people of Judah. How do these words pertain to you individually? What does it have to do with your own Advent preparation?

2. What words come to your mind when you think of “swords” and “spears”? or “plowshares”? Do you have the equivalent of swords and spears in your office, parish, or your own life? How does, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares” relate to you?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 122, Verses 1-9

1. Compare the Psalm with the 1st reading (Isaiah). What do they both say about our spiritual journey? How is peace to be achieved both with other nations and within ourselves?

2. How does the Psalm prepare us for that journey we must make at the end of our days on earth? What does the Psalm say we will obtain when we are present with the Lord?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 13, Verses 11-14

1. In all the places you live and work, is there some dimness that you can brighten with your Christ light?

2. In Advent we look backward to Christ’s first coming and forward to his next. This reading is about now. What is so important about now? Does Christ come now also?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 24, Verses 37-44

1. Advent is about Jesus coming to us. What can you do during this season to make him welcome?

2. Regarding social justice issues, does the Church need to rouse from its sleep? How about your parish? What about you?

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

"This is the King of the Jews."

In anticipation of the celebration of Christ the King, which marks the end of the Liturgical Year, we will hear Jesus’ prediction of the events that will occur prior to his glorious reign (Luke 21: 5-19). Here, he calls for perseverance and witnessing.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 24, 2013 (34C)
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 a "crucifix" for Catholics and a plain cross for Protestants?

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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 Samuel, Chapter 5, Verses 1-3

1. Compare Jesus and David as shepherds, anointed ones, and kings. What is the difference between their kingships?

2. The elders anointed David king of Israel after making an agreement with him before the Lord. Why was Jesus publicly proclaimed king on the cross?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5

1. Our Psalm speaks of a journey to the Lord's kingdom. What progress are you making along the way on your own journey to the Lord's holy city?

2. The psalmist mentions that he has set foot within the gates of Jerusalem. Describe your decision to walk the walk and go through the narrow gate that leads to redemption and a share in our Lord's inheritance.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verses 12-20

1. “For him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.” What does fullness mean to you? What parts of this fullness do you see in this or that neighbor of yours? What part do you want most to dwell in you?

2. “He is the image of the invisible God. All things in heaven and earth were created in him, through him and for him.” How is our environment a reflection of God? Is it sacred? Think of all the places you find goodness. Are they sacred? What is the goodness and beauty in your life saying to you about God?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 23, Verses 35-43

1. The good thief reached out to Jesus. How did Jesus respond? If you asked him to remember you in your struggles, what do you think he would say?

2. Is anyone reaching out to you like the thief did? How about at work, at home, in your parish, in the local community, in the world community? If so, what is your response?

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

"By your perseverance you will secure your lives"

In anticipation of the celebration of Christ the King, which marks the end of the Liturgical Year, this Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, we will hear Jesus’ prediction of the events that will occur prior to his glorious reign (Luke 21: 5-19). Here, he calls for perseverance and witnessing.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 17, 2013 (33C)
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: Should Catholics join Protestant Bible Studies?

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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 Malachi, Chapter 3, Verses 19-20a

1. “Fear of the Lord,” one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, is now called “Wonder and Awe in the presence of God.” Compare and contrast these two images. Which do you prefer? Which image gives you a better understanding of this reading?

2. Name some ways that justice heals. Is there any kind of healing through justice you would like to bring about in the world?

Responsorial Psalms
Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9

1. The Psalm speaks about the Day of the Lord, when He will come to rule the earth with justice. Are you ready for the Lord's coming?   Speak about how you are preparing for it.

2. Our psalmist writes about those who dwell in the world shouting for joy before the Lord, when He comes to rule the earth. Explain how you will sing praise to the Lord and sing joyfully before the King, the Lord.
Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians,
Chapter 3, Verses 7-12

1. According to Paul the Thessalonians were disorderly busybodies, always eating each other’s food. How does your community/family/parish stack up next to them? How would you have written Paul’s letter? How do you think your community would receive it?

2. What drove St. Paul to “work in toil and drudgery, night and day?” He had pen and paper, boats, and walking shoes. What helps would Paul have had access to today to aid him in his ministry? What do you think his ministry would have looked like with these aids? What do you do to help bring about the kingdom?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 21, Verses 5-19

1. Do you think persecution is a rare occurrence or an ever-present reality for the Church? Why? Where are Christians being persecuted today? Do you think God uses your suffering in conjunction with Christ’s to help renew the face of the earth?

2. What gifts does God give you to help you get through tough times?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share in the comments 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.