The point we must consider from this Sunday's Gospel is that Jesus did not send out His apostles individually. He sent them in pairs. This means our religious lives are both individual and communal at the same time.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 15, 2012 (15B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why don't Catholics evangelize door-to-door?
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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
Amos 7:12-15
1. How do you feel about rejection? Can you think of any prophet who
didn’t experience rejection? They chased Amos out of Bethel. What do you
do when you think something needs to be done that makes everyone
uncomfortable?
2. Amos points out to Amaziah that he was a shepherd and it wasn’t his
idea to be a prophet anyway. Are education, occupation, eloquence,
talent or intelligence prerequisites for a prophet? Then what is
necessary? If you were called to be a prophet, would you be as reluctant
as Amos was?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14
1. Our psalmist speaks of, 'Glory dwelling in our land;' and says that
the Lord's salvation is 'near indeed' to those who fear him. These
verses suggest that our Savior is close at hand and accessible to all of
us who fear Him. Describe how our Savior is present to you.
2. The Psalm says, 'The Lord himself will give His benefits.' Tell of the benefits you are receiving from the Lord.
Second Reading
Ephesians 1:3-14 or Ephesians 1:3-10
1. How has God lavished his grace on you this year? This week? Today?
2. Think of ways the Holy Spirit is active in your life, guiding,
fixing, enlightening, giving courage. The Holy Spirit is the “first
installment of our inheritance,” Saint Paul says. When you make the
first payment on your mortgage, do you own a small part of your house?
How might this idea relate to St. Paul’s statement about the Holy Spirit
being the first installment on our inheritance?
Gospel
Mark 6:7-13
1. Evangelizing means bringing the Good News to all humanity and through
its influence to make humanity new, to transform it from within. How
can you transform humanity around you in your daily life?
2. Jesus instructs his disciples to be unencumbered. Why is detachment
(“no food, no sack, no money….”) so important to evangelization? How
cluttered are your heart and mind? If the clutter limits God’s space in
your life, what can you dispose of? Do you think the Twelve were given
what they needed?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Showing posts with label Apostles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apostles. Show all posts
Thursday
"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, May 20, 2012 (AscensionB)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Readings: Seventh Sunday of Easter
Sunday Readings: Ascension of the Lord
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why don't Catholics evangelize door-to-door?
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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
Acts 1: 1-11
1. Jesus was insistent that the disciples stay and wait for the Spirit he had been promising them. Why was his anticipation so high? Is there a relation between Jesus’ Ascension and the arrival of the Holy Spirit?
2. The disciples’ guesses were pretty far off about Jesus’ plan for them. Would yours have been too? Is your relationship with the Holy Spirit exciting or unnerving?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9
1. Over and over our psalmist calls for us to shout to God and sing praise to God, as God mounts his throne. Tell of how you personally praise the Lord with 'cries of gladness.'
2. The verses of our psalm for this Ascension Sunday place our Lord in his kingship and on his throne, and make it seem that God is so far above us that we may not be able to approach Him easily. How do you handle this apparent dilemma? How do you approach our Lord?
Second Reading
Ephesians 1:17-23 or Ephesians 4:1-13
1. Why does God give certain people gifts? What gifts have you received? At the end of our lives will we be able to say this about our gifts, “See, God, I used them?”
2. Does our “maturing to the full stature of Christ” imply some growing pains? Where is Christ most recognizable in your life? In your humility? Gentleness? Patience? Care for the poor and needy? Is he unrecognizable anywhere in your life?
Gospel
Mk 16:15-20
1. Sometimes it’s hard to get to the end of your own city block. How are you going to go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature? Does preaching the Gospel to every creature relate to the sustainability of the Earth? How?
2. Jesus said signs would accompany those who believed. Most of us will probably not be picking up serpents with our hands and drinking deadly things without being harmed. What kinds of signs do you see now when you or someone else is proclaiming the Gospel in some way?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, May 20, 2012 (AscensionB)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Readings: Seventh Sunday of Easter
Sunday Readings: Ascension of the Lord
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why don't Catholics evangelize door-to-door?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 1: 1-11
1. Jesus was insistent that the disciples stay and wait for the Spirit he had been promising them. Why was his anticipation so high? Is there a relation between Jesus’ Ascension and the arrival of the Holy Spirit?
2. The disciples’ guesses were pretty far off about Jesus’ plan for them. Would yours have been too? Is your relationship with the Holy Spirit exciting or unnerving?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9
1. Over and over our psalmist calls for us to shout to God and sing praise to God, as God mounts his throne. Tell of how you personally praise the Lord with 'cries of gladness.'
2. The verses of our psalm for this Ascension Sunday place our Lord in his kingship and on his throne, and make it seem that God is so far above us that we may not be able to approach Him easily. How do you handle this apparent dilemma? How do you approach our Lord?
Second Reading
Ephesians 1:17-23 or Ephesians 4:1-13
1. Why does God give certain people gifts? What gifts have you received? At the end of our lives will we be able to say this about our gifts, “See, God, I used them?”
2. Does our “maturing to the full stature of Christ” imply some growing pains? Where is Christ most recognizable in your life? In your humility? Gentleness? Patience? Care for the poor and needy? Is he unrecognizable anywhere in your life?
Gospel
Mk 16:15-20
1. Sometimes it’s hard to get to the end of your own city block. How are you going to go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature? Does preaching the Gospel to every creature relate to the sustainability of the Earth? How?
2. Jesus said signs would accompany those who believed. Most of us will probably not be picking up serpents with our hands and drinking deadly things without being harmed. What kinds of signs do you see now when you or someone else is proclaiming the Gospel in some way?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 6, 2012 (Easter5B)
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: "What are the four marks of the True Church?
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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 9:26-31
1. What motivated Paul to speak out boldly? Think of examples of people who speak out to bring about changes in social justice. How does the “speaking out” impact the speaker’s life? Do their efforts bring about immediate change? Explain.
2. What cries out to you to be changed? Name some ways to “speak out” without using your voice?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 22: 26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
1. Our psalmist says, "I will fulfill my vows before those who fear the LORD." Does this verse inspire you to confirm your faith boldly and take up God's praise in the company of your fellow believers? Discuss.
2. The Psalm ends with an uplifting call for us to proclaim the Lord's truth to the next generation. Describe how you have answered the Lord's call and how you go about telling others about God's love.
Second Reading
Acts 9:26-31
1. St. John says to “walk the walk, not just talk the talk.” Where do you fit on a continuum between walkers and talkers?
2. What would your world look like if every day, you performed a kind deed for some unsuspecting person? Who would benefit from these acts?
Gospel
John 15:1-8
1. How could you use this Gospel to explain Paul’s actions in the First Reading? If you (the branches) remain in Jesus (the vine), whose life runs through you? What kind of fruit will you yield?
2. “And every one that does (bear fruit) he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” Have you ever felt like you were being “pruned?” Explain. At times do you have “dead wood” that needs to be pruned? Discuss.
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 6, 2012 (Easter5B)
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: "What are the four marks of the True Church?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 9:26-31
1. What motivated Paul to speak out boldly? Think of examples of people who speak out to bring about changes in social justice. How does the “speaking out” impact the speaker’s life? Do their efforts bring about immediate change? Explain.
2. What cries out to you to be changed? Name some ways to “speak out” without using your voice?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 22: 26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
1. Our psalmist says, "I will fulfill my vows before those who fear the LORD." Does this verse inspire you to confirm your faith boldly and take up God's praise in the company of your fellow believers? Discuss.
2. The Psalm ends with an uplifting call for us to proclaim the Lord's truth to the next generation. Describe how you have answered the Lord's call and how you go about telling others about God's love.
Second Reading
Acts 9:26-31
1. St. John says to “walk the walk, not just talk the talk.” Where do you fit on a continuum between walkers and talkers?
2. What would your world look like if every day, you performed a kind deed for some unsuspecting person? Who would benefit from these acts?
Gospel
John 15:1-8
1. How could you use this Gospel to explain Paul’s actions in the First Reading? If you (the branches) remain in Jesus (the vine), whose life runs through you? What kind of fruit will you yield?
2. “And every one that does (bear fruit) he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” Have you ever felt like you were being “pruned?” Explain. At times do you have “dead wood” that needs to be pruned? Discuss.
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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"For this purpose have I come."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 5, 2012 (5B)
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: Is it a sin to believe in horoscopes?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Job, Chapter 7, Verses 1-4, 6-7
1. Do you feel like Job sometimes? Do you understand the purpose of suffering? Give some reasons why you think God allows suffering. Can you still have faith in God even if you don't understand why God allows people to suffer?
2. Could God have redeemed the world by saying a word, breathing on it, or sending his Son merely to be with us? Why do you think God chose a suffering Messiah to redeem humankind?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 147: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6
1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is, 'Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.' Explain how the verses of the Psalm give you hope that the Lord will 'bind up your wounds.'
2. Our psalmist says that the Lord 'calls each of the stars by name.' Does this verse give you comfort that our Creator also knows your name and seeks you out despite the infinite size of the universe? What does this verse mean to you?
Second Reading
1Corinthians, Chapter 9, Verses 16-19, 22-23
1. What drove Paul to the point that he would do anything for the sake of the Gospel?
What passion drives you to do the things that you do?
2. St. Paul said, “I have made myself a slave to all….To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.” Explain what Paul meant by these words. How far would you go to become a “slave.., servant… or become whatever people need” in order to bring the good news to them? What might you have to sacrifice to do that?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 29-39
1. Do you think this Gospel text was written to tell people about Jesus, the miracle worker? Could the miracles be a confirmation of Jesus’ message of salvation? What did he say was the “purpose for which he came”?
2. Jesus as a person used every bit of energy he possessed to carry out his mission. Find examples in this Gospel for this reality. How does “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed” fit in with his tireless effort to carry out his ministry? How close are you to Jesus in using all your energy for some purpose? What is that purpose?
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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Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 5, 2012 (5B)
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: Is it a sin to believe in horoscopes?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Job, Chapter 7, Verses 1-4, 6-7
1. Do you feel like Job sometimes? Do you understand the purpose of suffering? Give some reasons why you think God allows suffering. Can you still have faith in God even if you don't understand why God allows people to suffer?
2. Could God have redeemed the world by saying a word, breathing on it, or sending his Son merely to be with us? Why do you think God chose a suffering Messiah to redeem humankind?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 147: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6
1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is, 'Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.' Explain how the verses of the Psalm give you hope that the Lord will 'bind up your wounds.'
2. Our psalmist says that the Lord 'calls each of the stars by name.' Does this verse give you comfort that our Creator also knows your name and seeks you out despite the infinite size of the universe? What does this verse mean to you?
Second Reading
1Corinthians, Chapter 9, Verses 16-19, 22-23
1. What drove Paul to the point that he would do anything for the sake of the Gospel?
What passion drives you to do the things that you do?
2. St. Paul said, “I have made myself a slave to all….To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.” Explain what Paul meant by these words. How far would you go to become a “slave.., servant… or become whatever people need” in order to bring the good news to them? What might you have to sacrifice to do that?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 29-39
1. Do you think this Gospel text was written to tell people about Jesus, the miracle worker? Could the miracles be a confirmation of Jesus’ message of salvation? What did he say was the “purpose for which he came”?
2. Jesus as a person used every bit of energy he possessed to carry out his mission. Find examples in this Gospel for this reality. How does “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed” fit in with his tireless effort to carry out his ministry? How close are you to Jesus in using all your energy for some purpose? What is that purpose?
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.
--
Wednesday
"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday In Ordinary Time, Jan. 22, 2012 (3B)
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: Sanctity of Life - "Protection of Life or Celebration of holy power of Life?"
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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
1 Samuel, Chapter 3, Verses 3-10, 19
1. Jonah says, “God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way.” Jesus says (in the Gospel reading): “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” What do Jonah’s and Jesus’ announcements have in common? To whom were their announcements made?
2. What was God looking for in the Ninevites? What is God looking for in you? Does God call you to conversion once or over and over again? Why?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1. Our psalmist petitions the Lord to 'Teach me your ways.' How do you go about learning the ways of the Lord? Tell how the verses of the Psalm help you understand the ways of the Lord.
2. Our Psalm says the Lord 'shows sinners the way.' Give an example of how you have been guided by the Lord to turn away from sin and repent.
Second Reading
I Corinthians, Chapter 7, Verses 29-31
1. Do you think the message in this reading is how to prepare for the next life or how to be happy in this life? Does putting your security in the goods of this world make you happy? Paul says, “Let . . . those using the world [act] as not using it fully.” Could this be a recipe for happiness?
2. Does your culture help or hinder your detachment from possessions (many toys, many gadgets, many messages advertising the security that “things” bring)? Explain.
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 14-20
1. Can we separate the message of Jesus from the person of Jesus, or is he the message? What about Jonah, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Micah?
2. What was it that allowed James and John, Simon and Andrew to drop their nets so readily when Jesus called them? Is there something that keeps you from readily answering Jesus’ call? What is it?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please reflect on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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Third Sunday In Ordinary Time, Jan. 22, 2012 (3B)
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: Sanctity of Life - "Protection of Life or Celebration of holy power of Life?"
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
1 Samuel, Chapter 3, Verses 3-10, 19
1. Jonah says, “God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way.” Jesus says (in the Gospel reading): “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” What do Jonah’s and Jesus’ announcements have in common? To whom were their announcements made?
2. What was God looking for in the Ninevites? What is God looking for in you? Does God call you to conversion once or over and over again? Why?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1. Our psalmist petitions the Lord to 'Teach me your ways.' How do you go about learning the ways of the Lord? Tell how the verses of the Psalm help you understand the ways of the Lord.
2. Our Psalm says the Lord 'shows sinners the way.' Give an example of how you have been guided by the Lord to turn away from sin and repent.
Second Reading
I Corinthians, Chapter 7, Verses 29-31
1. Do you think the message in this reading is how to prepare for the next life or how to be happy in this life? Does putting your security in the goods of this world make you happy? Paul says, “Let . . . those using the world [act] as not using it fully.” Could this be a recipe for happiness?
2. Does your culture help or hinder your detachment from possessions (many toys, many gadgets, many messages advertising the security that “things” bring)? Explain.
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 14-20
1. Can we separate the message of Jesus from the person of Jesus, or is he the message? What about Jonah, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Micah?
2. What was it that allowed James and John, Simon and Andrew to drop their nets so readily when Jesus called them? Is there something that keeps you from readily answering Jesus’ call? What is it?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please reflect on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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