"This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Lent, Mar. 4, 2012 (L2B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Do you believe in the True Prescence of Jesus at Communion?

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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
Reading I: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

1. In Genesis 15:5 God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. It is to this promise that Abraham clings as he raises the knife to kill his son. Where do you fall on the continuum, with one being low and ten high, when blind trust is required of you?

2. Is Abraham willing to offer the one he most loves because God asked it? Is God the Father willing to let the one he most loves die in order to sacrifice for humankind? In the end is Isaac willing to be sacrificed? Is Jesus willing to give his life (in union with the Father’s willingness to give everything, even his son) to show how much God loves humankind?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19

. Our psalmist speaks of the power of his faith, even in the darkest of times, "I believed, even when I said, 'I am greatly afflicted.'" Give an example of how your faith has strengthened you in difficult times.

2. The Psalm says, 'O Lord, I am your servant ... you have loosed my bonds.' Explain how it is that, having been freed from your chains, you wish to serve the Lord and become yoked to Him.

Second Reading
Reading II: Romans 8:31b-34


1. The Old Testament describes “Emmanuel,” as God with us. This reading says God is not only with us, but “for us. Christ … indeed intercedes for us.” Explain how this statement could be a real anti-depressant?

2. How does being “for” someone and intervening for him or her relate to “love your neighbor?”

Gospel
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

1. It took a blinding light for Peter, James and John to begin to see or understand who Jesus was. Think of some times that you have seen the divine in the ordinary? Share your experiences with others. Think of some areas in your country, Church or life that need to be reconfigured before you would be able to see much of the divine in them. Explain.

2. Why do you think Elijah and Moses were part of this scene?

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