“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Our gospel for this Sunday narrates the start of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee: “He left Nazareth and made home in Capernaum by the lake in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali” (Matthew 4:12-23). After John was arrested, Jesus withdrew into this land that historically had known great danger and grave sorrow. Later, we will know how providential this was.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 26, 2014 (3A)
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
BQ: Can we who are sinful be part of Jesus’ mission?

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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 8, Verse 23; Chapter 9, Verses 1-3

1. Matthew quotes Isaiah’s passage about this half-Jewish, half-Gentile, obscure, gloomy region of the world. What is he telling us? Is it God’s common practice to use the small or humble to announce the glorious and profound? If so, name some other instances.

2. Why does the Church use the same passage that we hear at Christmas now during Ordinary Time? Is there a Christmas message that you like to think about all year? What is that message?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

1. What does Verse 13 of the Psalm mean to you? ("I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.")

2.  Verse 1 of the Psalm says, "The Lord is my life's refuge;" How have you made the Lord your life's refuge?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 10-13, 17

1. Is Paul talking about quarreling to the Corinthians or to your parish? If Paul fixed this problem in his time with his message why do we still have the problem today?

2. There will always be disagreements. Is there a way to handle them so that good or growth could come out of them? How?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 4, Verses 12-23

1. What human need do you see Jesus exhibiting in the second half of this gospel story? Why were friends important to him? Why is the community important to Christianity?

2. What was Peter’s and Andrew’s response time? How fast is your response time when you are inspired to do something for your neighbor, e.g. to give time or money to the earthquake victims?


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.

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?"

On Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, we stretch still farther the celebration of Christmas with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. An “epiphany” is an appearance, a manifestation. In our readings for the Holy Mass (Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6, Matthew 2:1–12) with their rising stars, splendid lights and revealed mysteries, the face of the Child born on Christmas day appears and is made known throughout the world. The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13) aptly describes the Epiphany with this acclamation: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 5, 2014 (EpiphanyA)
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
BQ: Why do we say the Rosary at Catholic funerals?

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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 60, verses 1-6

1. Even though darkness covered the earth, light and glory had come to Jerusalem. Isaiah wanted to make the Israelites take notice .Do you notice God’s actions in your life?

2. Does Jerusalem have light of her own? Are nations coming to her light or to the Christ-light? What do you think draws people to the Church today?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

1. The Psalm says that 'profound peace' will flower when our newborn King arrives. Speak of what this verse means to you and how you gain inner peace and strength from the arrival of our Savior.

2. Our psalmist writes that the King will save the lives of the poor and rescue the afflicted. Give an example of how you have been healed by our Lord physically, spiritually, or emotionally.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 3, Verses 2-3, 5-6

1. Just what was this manifestation that brightened the whole world? Why was a star an integral part of the story?

2. “It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed…by the Spirit.” When did people first learn that God wanted to save all creation and not just a chosen people? Do you think God planned to keep this a secret or do you think God reveals things to people little by little? How does God work in your life?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12

1. God sent the Magi a message, and they rode their camels across half the known world. What would cause you to put forth effort like this? What made the search worth it for them? For you?

2. Compare Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Compare Herod and the Magi. What does this say about the places and people God chooses?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your thoughts on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.