"Be doers of the word and not hearers only"

In this Sunday's Gospel, Mark offers us a good opportunity to understand the role of the Pharisees in Judaism, and why Jesus and others had such strong feelings against their behavior.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 2, 2012 (22B)
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: "What is the Worst Sin?"

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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
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

1. “What great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law?” Can you answer Moses’ question? What makes a law just? State the law in one sentence, as Jesus did.

2. Discuss some human rights issues that would change if everyone in the world observed the law of love? How might your community or your work place change?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 15: 2-3, 3-4, 4-5

1. Our psalmist says whoever thinks the truth in his heart will live in the presence of the Lord. How do you go about preparing your heart so that you are able to receive the Lord?

2. The verses of the Psalm remind us not to slander, nor to blame our neighbor, nor to harm our fellow man, nor to hurt him economically. Explain how being a doer of the word is inspired by your love of the Lord.

Second Reading
James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

1. James says the law is planted in us. Would you like to see it planted in your mind or in your heart? What difference would it make? Discuss Karl Rahner’s statement, “In the heart of knowledge stands love, from which knowledge itself lives.”

2. Are you a hearer only or a doer of the word? Name some times when you “walked the walk” when you really just wanted to “talk the talk.”

Gospel
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23


1. What problems did Jesus have with all the washing and purifying? What was his problem with the add-on laws from traditions? Is there anything that the Church can learn from this part of Jesus’ message? The Pharisees questioned Jesus, with some smugness, about how his disciples were keeping the law. What is your attitude toward people who interpret laws differently than you do?

2. What was missing from the Pharisees’ observance of the law? If religious observance is exterior, what is it worth? On the other hand, if what you do comes from the Word living in your heart, whether it’s fishing or fasting, what is that worth?

Sunday Bible Study Group

Please share your thoughts on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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"Little girl, I say to you, arise!"

In the Readings for Sunday, July 1, 2012, Jairus, the Synagogue official was in a panic.  His little 12 year old daughter was dying.  The worst possible thing a parent can experience was about to take place. He pleaded with Jesus.  Jesus rushed with him to care for the girl. We encourage you to engage your family, friends or church groups and talk about this. And please do use these Discussion Questions as your Bible study guide.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 1, 2012 (13B)
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: Do you Cry at Funerals? Why?

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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
Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

1. “For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him.” What in humankind’s nature is made in God’s own image? Is it true of all of humankind or just Christians?

2. God’s love and presence transform all of human existence, says theologian Karl Rahner. Discuss this statement of his: “Humans remain always graced by an inner dynamism thrusting toward the God who calls and gives Godself.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13

1. Our psalmist praises God for having rescued him and brought him 'up from the netherworld.' Tell about how you have been saved from your enemies, the devil and his companions.

2. The Psalm says that the anger of the Lord lasts but a moment. Have you been rebuked by the Lord? If so, what did you learn from this, and in what way are you grateful for being corrected by the Lord?

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15


To which do you think the myriad poor people in the world respond better, a wealthy God or a poor God? Explain. With which do you feel more comfortable? Why?

2. How do you feel when you share some of your gifts or wealth with those less fortunate? Ask yourself what your own real wealth might be.

Gospel
Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

1. The woman with the hemorrhage had a condition unacceptable to the culture of the time. What did she risk when she joined the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment? What did Jairus risk? Does your faith involve you in risk-taking? Explain.

2. Are there still people today who are shunned because of diseases? Are women still oppressed in harsh cultures? Do children die because of malnutrition and disease in third–world countries? What kinds of miracles or what small acts can you perform in Jesus’ name to alleviate the suffering?

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.

"John is his name."

In the Readings for Sunday, June 24, 2012, we hear the story of the birth of John the Baptist. We encourage you to engage your family, friends or church groups and talk about this. And please do use these Discussion Questions as your Bible study guide.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist,
June 24, 2012 (JBaptistB)
 
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Readings - Vigil Mass
Sunday Readings - Mass duruing the day
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Did John the Baptist go to heaven right after death?

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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
Isaiah 49:1-6

1. This reading is about the servant Israel who was chosen to be a beacon for all nations to see and be drawn back to God. Explain why this reading was chosen for today.

2. “For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb.” The servant in this reading was called by God before he was born. Do you think God knew you before you were born? Do you think God will be with you as you make all your life choices? How might you be part of the plan to help salvation reach the ends of the earth?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 139: 1-3, 13-15

1. Our Psalm response is, "I praise you, for I am wonderfully made." Do you believe that you are created by God to do His will, that you are made for a purpose? Explain.

2. Our psalmist says, "O Lord, you have probed me, you know me." We cannot hide anything from our God; He is familiar with all our ways. Are you convicted by these words? Are there sins you commit that you would prefer to keep in the dark, or on a side porch, away from God's knowledge? In what way are you grateful for the scrutiny of the Lord?

Second Reading
Acts 13:22-26
1. Repentance draws people back into right relationship with God. How is John’s baptism of repentance different from Jesus’ baptism of the Holy Spirit?

2. What in this reading tells you John was a humble man? Did John direct people’s attention to himself or to Jesus? What was John’s whole life and ministry about? What is your ministry about?

Gospel
Luke 1:57-66, 80

1. Was John chosen before he was born, as was the servant in the first reading? Zachariah doubted Gabriel’s words that Elizabeth would bear a son. How are you with insights from the Holy Spirit? Do you trust them? Do you act on them or dismiss them?

2. Compare Jesus’ and John’s birth announcements by the angels. John was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. Judging by his actions when he came out of the desert, what do you think he was doing while he was in the desert? Anthony de Mello, S.J. said “Peace is only found in yes.” In light of Zachariah’s experience, can you explain de Mello’s words?

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 we walk by faith, not by sight"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 17, 2012 (11B)
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: Must we believe the Church 100% to be Catholic?

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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
Ezekiel 17: 22-24

1. What are the similarities between the “tender shoot” in this parable and the mustard seed in the Gospel? “Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs.” What do you think of when you read this?

2. Jesus referred to the “least” becoming the “greatest” numerous times. How is Jesus’ life an example of this? Can you think of others who follow(ed) this example?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16

1. "Lord, you are holy indeed. It is right to give you thanks and praise .... " are familiar words to any Mass-goer. How do you sincerely give thanks to the Lord in your daily life?

2. How can you become more like the upright palm tree or the majestic and firmly-rooted Lebanese cedar? Do others see you as a just and righteous person through your everyday speech and actions? What can you change about yourself so that you, too, can "bear fruit even in old age?"

Second Reading
Corinthians 5: 6-10


1. “Walk by faith, and not by sight.” What does that mean to you? Paul mentions courage twice in this reading. Why would we need courage to walk by faith? What other virtues might we need?

2. Discuss Hans von Balthasar’s comment on this reading: “Paul’s confidence is constant, regardless of the current spiritual weather patterns in his life or in that of his congregation. ‘We walk by faith.’”

Gospel
Mark 4:26-34

1. What is the farmer’s job in both of these parables? What is God’s job? Could you ask yourself the same two questions about your ministry…your job and God’s job? Can you trust God to do God’s job?

2. While the man sleeps and rises night and day the seed sprouts and grows, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Are such accomplishments due to human beings, technology or the rules of the Kingdom of God?

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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"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, June 3, 2012 (HolyTrinityB)
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: Sign of the Cross - what is its meaning?

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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
Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

1. Moses heard the voice of God from a burning bush. Where do you hear the voice of God? In friends… the poor… newspapers… bishops… nature… novels… music… your heart? Moses couldn’t imagine anything comparable to the love God already had shown his people. What, in God’s plan of salvation, was Moses not aware of?

2. In this Old Testament reading can you find manifestations of God as Father (creator)? God as Son (savior)? God as Holy Spirit (sheer love)?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 33: 4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22

1. Our Psalm Response this week is, 'Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.'
Do you believe that you have been chosen by God to be one of His children? Explain.

2. Our psalmist speaks of preserving us in spite of 'famine.' Have you gone through periods of spiritual hunger? How has your faith enabled you to regain your strength and obtain nourishment?

Second Reading
Romans 8: 14-17


1. Besides revealing God’s being to us as endless and continuously new love, the Spirit bears witness within each of our spirits. How do you think your prayers of thanksgiving, petition and worship are changed when the Spirit takes them and bears witness with them?

2. We have been chosen as adopted children of God and joint heirs to all the “treasures hidden in Christ.” What are the treasures hidden in Christ? Which do you want the most? Which do you need the most?

Gospel
Matthew 28:16-20

1. It seems that Jesus took away the disciples’ doubts about making disciples of all nations. How did he do this? Have you ever thought about “making disciples”? How would you make disciples in your family, among your co-workers and your friends?

2. The Holy Spirit was put in our hearts that “we might understand the things freely given by God” (1 Cor. 2:12). But isn't the Trinity a mystery? What do we know about the Trinity? How can you know the Trinity is real?

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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"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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"This I command you: love one another."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 13, 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: Who is your neighbor?

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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 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

1. In the First Reading, the Holy Spirit goes beyond the baptized people to the unbaptized. Is grace available to all people? Do you listen to the Holy Spirit on a regular basis, or now and then? How does the Holy Spirit speak to you? What discernment process do you use on the communication between you and the Holy Spirit?

2. Are there some areas that are off limits or do you invite the Holy Spirit into every part of your life?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 98:1,2-3, 3-4

1. Our Psalm Response is, "The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power." How has the Lord shown his saving power to you personally?

2. Our Psalm speaks of singing a new song, of singing joyfully to the Lord,
and we are urged to break into song and sing praise. What is it about your faith and the Easter season that makes you want to sing praise to the Lord?

Second Reading
1 John 4:7-10

1. How was “the love of God revealed to us?” Had Jesus not come into the world, what would you know about God?

2. After Jesus has come, what do you know about God? What was the message God sent through Jesus about God’s own self? What is your response to that message?

Gospel
John 15:9-17

1. The one thing Jesus asks of us is that we love our neighbor. How would you rate this assignment on a “difficulty” scale from 1-10? Explain. What gift (First Reading) does God give you to help with this assignment?

2. If you remain in Jesus and he remains in the Father, where does that put you? What do you have to do to remain there?

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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"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.
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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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"I am the good shepherd."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Apr. 29, 2012 (Easter4B)

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: Can non-Catholics go to heaven?

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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 4:8-12

1. Was the healing of the cripple Peter’s miracle or Christ’s? Do either of them still heal people today? How can Jesus use you to help heal people? If you ask, will Jesus heal you?

2. In this reading Peter responds to attempts to discredit Jesus’ message. Do you see efforts to discredit Jesus’ message in the world today? Name some.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

1. Our psalmist reminds us more than once to trust God, not mortals or princes. Even though you may not have seen the Lord in person, do you have any difficulty trusting in one you have not seen? Explain.

2. The Psalm says, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' This verse is used in scripture to welcome Jesus. Discuss how you have welcomed Jesus into your life.

Second Reading
1 John 3:1-2

1. What gifts have you received as a child of God? What gifts have you received from God today?

2. God is always present, hovering over us like a mother hen. Why does God not just jump right in and save us from all the messes we get into?

Gospel
John 10: 11-18

1. The shepherd goes out of the sheepfold to get “other” sheep. What does that say about exclusivity? Do you think social justice, ethical fairness or love was the reason the shepherd included the other sheep? Where are you regarding exclusivity/inclusivity on a continuum with the shepherd at one end and the hired hand at the other?

2. Jesus said, “I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” Jesus applies the Trinitarian love-recognition between him and his Father to the recognition between himself and his own. What does this tell you about how well you are known and how much you are loved? For whom will you lay down your life?

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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"Touch me and see"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 22, 2012 (Easter3B)
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 the Mass a Eucharistic Banquet or a Holy Sacrifice

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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 3:13-15, 17-19

1. In the history of the Church have there been human decisions that were made in ignorance? The present day Church has apologized for some decisions. What can we learn from this?

2. Sometimes people in groups hurt others when they act with lack of knowledge. How can we prevent hurting others or make up for group actions that hurt others?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9

1. Our Psalm Response this week is, "Lord, let your face shine on us." What does it mean to you the have the 'light of His countenance' shine upon you?

2. Our psalmist repeatedly petitions the Lord to answer him and to hear him. Have you also prayed as David did for the Lord to hear your prayer?
What has been the result?

Second Reading
1 John 2:1-5a


1. John says in his epistle, “[Christ] is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.” And in his Gospel John prays, “…that repentance, forgiveness of sins, would be preached in (Christ’s) name to all the nations..” From these statements would you guess that Christ came to save forty-four thousand people? Most people? All people?

2. St. John tells us in this reading that Jesus is our advocate if and when we sin. There is no mention of guilt. If you think of Jesus as a friend who defends you, what does that do to your feelings of guilt?

Gospel
Luke 24:35-48

1. When he appeared in their midst, why did Jesus say, “Peace be with you,” to his disciples? What was the emotional atmosphere in the group at that time? Are there times in your life when you are distraught and you need some peace?

2. Do you reach for God in our midst or God far away? Jesus said, “Touch me and see.” Does it help you that Jesus has experienced trials like yours? Did God take our flesh because he needed to, or because we needed him to?

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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"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 15, 2012 (Easter2B)
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 is 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
Acts 4:32-35

1. The treatment of possessions by the community in this reading is the early Church’s example of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. How does your treatment of possessions compare with theirs?

2. Who are the needy in your immediate life? Can you take care of at least some of their needs? What, if anything, can you do about the needs of people in your extended world? If you joined forces with another person or group could you do something to alleviate needs of these people?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24

1. Our Response is, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." On this Easter Sunday, explain what is the basis of your joy and gladness and how your life is affected by our exalted Savior.

2. Our Lord, rejected by the 'builders' of his time, has become the 'cornerstone' of our lives. What does it mean to you to build your faith on the resurrection of Jesus?

Second Reading
John 5:1-6


1. Are you a Christian because of what you have done or what Christ has done? What is more important, belief in Jesus or performance of good deeds?

2. If you have faith that “Jesus is the Christ and is begotten by God,” what can you conquer?

Gospel
John 20:19-31

1. The disciples were afraid after Jesus’ death and they locked the doors. Are there times in your life when you have wanted to lock the doors of your life? What calmed the disciples’ fears? What calms yours?

2. What is the significance of Jesus’ breathe when he gave the disciples the Holy Spirit? Do you receive the same Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation? Does the Holy Spirit act differently in you than in them? Jesus empowered his disciples with his Spirit so they could pass the gift of peace on to others. Is peace related to forgiveness of sins? How?

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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"They have taken the Lord from the tomb"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Easter Sunday, Apr. 8, 2012 (EasterB)
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 invite the poor to your Easter banquet?

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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 10: 34, 37-43

1. What is the significance of the word “witness,” in this reading, which Peter uses three times both as a noun (meaning “observer”) and a verb (meaning “corroborate,” “testify”)?

2. What are some of the ways you can bear witness in your life? Should you witness with more than words?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23

1. Our Response is, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." On this Easter Sunday, explain what is the basis of your joy and gladness and how your life is affected by our exalted Savior.

2. Our Lord, rejected by the 'builders' of his time, has become the 'cornerstone' of our lives. What does it mean to you to build your faith on the resurrection of Jesus?

Second Reading
Colossians 3: 1-4

1. “Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.” Paul tells us what is “above” later in chapter 3 of Colossians. He says that we should put on heartfelt compassion. What does compassion look like in your immediate world and in the larger one?

2. Paul asks us to “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Name all the qualities that you think should be on that list. Which of those do you “seek” most?

Gospel
Jn 20:1-9

1. “Who was the first one to come to the tomb early in the morning? Were the women who were with Jesus at the end ever governed by fear? Explain. Compare and contrast their behavior with some of Jesus’ other disciples’ actions. Looking at all the disciples during Jesus’ last hours, whose behavior would you like to emulate?

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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