"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

Sunday’s Scripture texts for Dec. 21, 2014 (4AdvB) describe God’s promise to David and its fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David. From the First Reading, David expresses his sincere desire to build a temple for God but it is actually God who will build his own house and establish a great family of descendents: the House of David.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 21, 2014 (4AdvB)
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: Was the Blessed Virgin Mary a Virgin Forever?

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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
Second book of Samuel, Chapter 7, Verses 1-5, 8b-12, 14a,16

1. Define “house” first as David uses it in this reading. Could the word “family” be substituted for “house” as the Lord uses it in response to David? Where might God dwell besides in a tent or building? Where does the real Church reside?

2. Compare and contrast what David wants to give God with what God did for David? Can you relate to “receiving much more than you give”? What happens to you when you open up just a little to God? God’s gift which brought David’s house to perfection was David’s Heir. Who was that?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

1. Our Psalm response is, 'Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.' One reason to sing of the Lord's goodness is because His promises are trustworthy. Describe how you have relied on the promises of the Lord in your journey.

2. David is to call out to the Lord, 'You are my father, my God, the Rock, my savior.' We too are inspired to cry out to God in a similar way. Tell of the times when you have felt like crying out to God in worship and praise.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 16, Verses 25-27

1. What was the “mystery kept secret for long ages”? Do you think the “mystery” was really a secret or possibly was it not understood till Jesus became man? What does the Incarnation reveal to you about God?

2. If all people believed that the message of God’s saving plan is for “all nations” what would happen to conflict between nations, selfishness that creates poverty and starvation and the disparity of wealth? Is there anything you can do to brighten up some of this darkness?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 1, Verses 26-38

1. Can you relate to Mary’s unconditional “yes” to God, or is your yes conditional? If you do say yes, will God come take up residence in your life?

2. What could God do for the wounded in the world through your hands if he were invited to take up residence in the deepest part of your soul?

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.

"Where is the newborn king of the Jews?"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
The Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 8, 2012 (EpiphanyB)
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: Why don't we invoke saints from the Old Testament?

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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 to know this. Are there still “dark” areas in the world today? Where? Who will take the light to them? Can God’s light guide you in your own darkness?

2. Does Jerusalem have any light of her own? Are nations coming to her or to the light? What do you think draws people to the Church today? What is the source of the Church’s light? Do you know some people who give off this light? If so, describe them.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

1. The Psalm says, 'Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.' Using the verses of the Psalm, explain why 'all kings' would want to pay homage to our Lord.

2. Our psalmist mentions 'afflicted ones' and 'the afflicted' in two of the Psalm's verses. Are there times when you can identify yourself as an 'afflicted' one? Tell what remedies are available to you that are mentioned in the Psalm.

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 (the one that led the wise men from foreign lands)?

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 it was God’s plan to save all creation and not just a chosen people? Why does God reveal things to people little by little? How does God work in your life?

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

1. God sent the Wise Men a message that caused them to ride camels half way across the known world. Would you ever put this kind of effort into something? What was worth this kind of a search 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?

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. 

"And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Dec. 25, 2011 (XmasB)
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: Why was Jesus born in a manger?

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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
Midnight Mass, Isaiah, Chapter 9, Verses 1-6
Christmas Dawn, Isaiah, Chapter 62, Verses 11-12

1. “For a child is born to us, a son is given us. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” What do these names mean to you? Would you expect to see someone named God-Hero born in a stable? Why was he? Who would be the most likely candidate to be born in a stable, the child of a president of a country, a homeless person’s child or a soldier’s child? Who is actually born in stable-like places today?

2. “They shall be called a holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, and you shall be called ‘Frequented,’ a city that is not forsaken.” Why are they called holy? Who is with them? What is it that Emmanuel (God with us) does for all people? What does this mean to you in your daily life? Do you think you need God to be a God in the flesh?

Responsorial Psalm
Mass During the Day, Psalm 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

1. Our Psalm says, 'Sing to the Lord a new song.' In what way do these words inspire you to celebrate the birth of our Savior at Christmas? How is our song at Christmas different from the other songs we sing?

2. The Psalm says, 'All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God ... sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands.' These words imply prophetically that even the Gentiles (ourselves) are included in Gods' salvation. What does it mean to you to have seen the 'saving power of God?'

Second Reading
Christmas Day, Hebrews, Chapter 1, Verses 1-6

1. “In time past, God spoke in partial and various ways.” What are some of the various ways God speaks to you? Do you look for God in the lowly events of your life as well as the great ones?

2. What does St. Paul mean when he says that the Son is the very “imprint of the Father’s being”? What would a person look like (be, act) if he/she were the imprint of Christ?

Gospel
Midnight Mass, Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 1-14
Christmas Day, John, Chapter 1, Verses 1-18

1. Why do you think Jesus was born into earthly poverty? With what kind of people did he fraternize and care for? If you want to find God today where might you start looking?

2. “In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . He was in the world.” What is John saying about Christ and his involvement in the creation of the world? What is John saying about the book of Genesis?

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.