“Receive the Holy Spirit."

Pentecost is not just another Sunday. It is a feast equal to Christmas and Easter themselves. The Feast of Pentecost, originally the Jewish Feast of Weeks commemorating the gift of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai 50 days after the Exodus, was the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out in the Upper Room upon the apostles and other disciples in the form of tongues of fire and a strong wind, fifty days after Easter Sunday, the day marking the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2014 (PentecostA)
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: Should you Confess before you receive 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
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 1-11

1. In the First Reading (Acts 2:1-11), the Holy Spirit was given as tongues of fire accompanied by a strong driving wind. In the Gospel (John 20:19-23) Jesus was in their midst and gave the Spirit to the disciples by breathing on them. Do you have an idea how there could be two different descriptions of this supernatural event?

2. Is the Holy Spirit that came only to the apostles and Mary in the upper room? Or is it dynamic and constant in every life? Is the Spirit in your own life? How were the disciples different after the Spirit’s arrival? Would you be different if you were confident that the Spirit is with you? Explain.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-31, 34

1. As the Psalm says, without the divine breath of the Lord we would be nothing. In what way does the divine breath empower you to be a new creation?

2. The Psalm Response asks the Lord to send out his Spirit. Having received the holy Spirit when you were baptized, in what way are you called to go forth and do His works?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians
Chapter 12, Verses 3b-7, 12-13

1. St. Alphonsus Rodriguez was a Jesuit Brother (1533-1617), whose job was to answer the door of the Jesuit College in Majorca. He did this for forty years. Would his spiritual gift of service compare to that of St. Francis Xavier, who converted whole countries? How?

2. Were Vivaldi and Michelango given gifts solely for their own pleasure? For whose benefit were they given? Scripture says, “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” What are your gifts and for what benefit were they given to you?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 20, Verses 19-23

1. Jesus “breathed” on them. How does this relate to Genesis 2:7, “God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life?” What is the significance for you? How important is the Holy Spirit to you?

2. The disciples’ first task after receiving the Holy Spirit was to forgive sins. What impact does forgiveness of sin have on peace? Is it always easy to forgive? How is your peace when you experience problems with forgiveness?

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"Were not our hearts burning within us"

The stranger on the road to Emmaus takes the skepticism and curiosity of the disciples and weaves them into the fabric of the Scripture. Jesus challenges them to reinterpret the events of the past days in light of the Scriptures. During the meal He recreated the Last Supper. He took bread, blessed it and gave it to them. And they recognized Him in the breaking of the break, the first Christian name for the Eucharist.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Easter, May 4, 2014 (3EasterA)
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: 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 of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 14, 22-33

1. Can you see how different Peter’s attitude is in this reading than it was during Jesus’ passion and death? To what do you attribute the change? Can you apply your answer to yourself? In other words, could such a change take place in you?

2. Through the centuries, certain Catholics and Christians have in fact condemned and even persecuted the Jewish people. Some have used Peter’s words as a reason: “This man . . . you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.” Do you see that in this reading that it was God’s plan for Jesus to die, and then to rise again, and that therefore the Jews remain the chosen people of God?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 16:  1-2, 5, 7-11

1.  This Psalm alludes to the resurrection of our Lord, who although He descended to the netherworld, came out freely, without undergoing corruption.  Why do you think our Lord had to undergo this journey, and what does his rising unspoiled mean for us?

2.  The psalmist refers to the Lord as his allotted portion and his cup.  Do you see here a reference to the Lord as our source of blessings and salvation?   Describe how you would apply the Lord's portion and His cup to your life.

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 1, Verses 17-21

1. In this quotation from the his first letter, Peter speaks of Christ as having been known before the foundation of the world!. Why has such an infinite one been revealed to us, according to Peter?

2. This Second Reading has been called a sermon on hope. Why do you think that is? Do you find it hopeful??

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 24, Verses 13-35

1. Can you relate to any of these in the Gospel story: Confusion of the disciples? Inability to recognize Jesus? Desire to spend more time with a good friend? Sudden realization that the Lord is present?

2. Why were their hearts “burning within them” as they listened? Does your heart ever react to Jesus this way?

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"Do not be unbelieving, but believe."

This Sunday we hear that the apostles, imprisoned and bound by fear, have locked themselves into the upper room, and that "Jesus came and stood before them...Then he breathed on them and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men's sins, they are forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held bound.' "

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Easter, April 27, 2014 (2EasterA)
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: 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 of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 42-47

1. How could the early Christians “sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s needs”? Could you go this far with the “selling and dividing”?

2. Can you describe this early Christian community in a short sentence? Are there other groups that fit this description? How is your faith strengthened by the faith of others? Why did they “eat their meals with exultation”?

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

1.  The Psalm says God's love is everlasting and that His mercy endures forever.   Do you feel that you have received God's mercy even though you may not have been worthy?   What changes in your life have taken place as you have received God's love?

2)  Have you ever felt as though you were 'hard pressed and falling' as the Psalm says?   Can you recall a time in your life when God helped you to regain your strength and courage?   Did you then feel like making a 'joyful shout of victory?'

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 1, Verses 3-9


1. “You may have to suffer through various trials.” Are troubles beneficial? Does “letting go” free you in any way? What do you call it when you believe even though you can’t see?

2 Hans Urs von Balthasar says this: “We are not the ones who grasp Christ and anchor ourselves to him, rather, Christ has caught up with us and grasped us.” Which “grasping” makes you feel more secure? How does Balthasar’s sentences apply to this particular reading?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 20, Verses 19-31

1. No doors can be locked tight enough to keep Christ out. Explain. Do you have “locked doors”? If sin is what separates God from the world and people from one another, what do you do about your own sins? Is peace connected with forgiveness of sins?

2. “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Which do you think is stronger, belief or seeing? Do you need help believing, as Thomas did? What reason does John give us for his telling us this story?

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"They have taken the Lord from the tomb"

In the words of Psalm 118: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!" Good News, indeed… The Word to remember is "Easter!"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Easter Sunday, Apr. 20 2014 (EasterA)
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: Who can receive 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
The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10, Verses 34a, 37-43

1. What is the significance of the word “witness,” in the sentence, “We are witnesses to all that he did”? Peter uses it 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 Psalms
Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23

1. The Psalm says, "His mercy endures forever." Having risen with the Lord, in what way do we depend on His mercy to share life with Him in His heavenly kingdom?

2. The psalmist says, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." Having been saved from death by our risen Lord, what is expected of us, and what are we called to proclaim?

Second Reading
Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 3, Verses 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. One of Paul’s last directives is to let the peace of Christ control your hearts. How do you do that when you’re feeling confused, or paralyzed with fear, or depressed? Where do you find help?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 20, Verses 1-9
or Matthew, Chapter 28, Verses 1-10

1. The same women who were with Jesus when he died came to anoint his body in the morning. Were they deterred from their task by an immovable stone or by fear? Compare and contrast their behavior with the actions of Jesus’ other disciples. Looking at all the disciples during Jesus’ last hours, whose behavior would you like to imitate?

2. What is it that allowed John to “see and believe,” to have this kind of clarity? Does love give you knowledge about a person, or insights into their behavior? In John, Jesus says “Whoever loves me….I will love him (her) and reveal myself to him (her)” (Ch 14, Vs. 21). Is there a connection between Jesus’ statement and John’s “seeing and believing”?

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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. 
--

"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
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"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Ascension Sunday, June 5, 2011 (7EasterA)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Ascension Sunday Readings
Sunday Mass Readings, 7th Sunday of Easter
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
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
Ascension: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1, Verses 1-11
7th Sunday: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1, Verses 12-14

1. (Ascension:) Were the two men in white garments angels or just men? They interpreted the ascension to the disciples: do you think they really understood what was going on? Do you? On whom did the disciples depend for understanding? On whom do we?

2. (7th Sunday:) Did you receive the Holy Spirit once for all time at Confirmation? Or is the Spirit dynamic and new all the time? Discuss.

Responsorial Psalm
Ascension: Psalm 47:2-3. 6-7, 8-9
7th Sunday: Psalm 27:1,4,7-8

1. (Ascension:) This Psalm is traditionally applied to the ascension of our Lord. Do you think the verses are appropriate for our Lord's ascension, even though they were written in pre-Christian times? Explain.

2. (Ascension:) The Psalm says, 'God mounts His throne to shouts of joy.' If God is so far above us, how do we maintain a relationship with Him? How is it possible that He is still among us?

Second Reading
Ascension: St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 1, Verses 17-23
7th Sunday: First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 4, Verses 13-16

1. (Ascension:) If you had your choice would you avoid all suffering? The Holy Spirit is sometimes called the Comforter. Does the Spirit comfort you when you suffer? Do you let in comfort?

2. (7th Sunday:) God gave Christ “the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.” What is this fullness? What kind of fullness would you like to have in your life?

Gospel
Ascension: According to Matthew, Chapter 28, Verses 16-20
7th Sunday: According to John, Chapter 17, Verses 1-11

1. (Ascension:) “Behold, I am with you always. until the end of the age.” Jesus said this after telling the eleven to make disciples of all nations. What do these words mean to you? Do you ever think of them when you are in trouble?

2. (7th Sunday:) The Father entrusted the good news of salvation to Jesus and he in turn entrusted it to his disciples. What are the implications for you?

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“Receive the Holy Spirit."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010 (PentecostC)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: What do say when asked if you are a Christian?

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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 of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 1-11

1. People from every nation were confused and amazed because through the Holy Spirit everyone understood what the apostles were saying. If you were completely open to the Holy Spirit, would you have a deeper understanding of all that you hear and see? Was the miracle in the speaking or the hearing? How does the Holy Spirit use the miracle of hearing with you?

2. How were the disciples different after the Spirit’s arrival? In your own life do you tend to see the Holy Spirit as dynamic and constant or only occasional? Rate you awareness on a scale of 1 to 10 of your belief in the Holy Spirit as your constant companion. Are you different when you are confident that the Spirit is with you? Explain.

Second Reading
Romans, Chapter 8, Verses 8-17 or
First Corinthians, Chapter 12, Verses 3b-7, 12-13

1. How do the gifts of the Spirit (knowledge, wisdom, understanding, reverence, courage, right judgment, awe and wonder in the presence of God) create unity in the Church? Think about one of the worst problems in the world today. What has the Spirit given to help eradicate that problem?

2. Were Puccini and Shakespeare given gifts for their own pleasure? Then what for? What are your gifts from the Holy Spirit and how do you see yourself using them?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 20, Verses 19-23 or
John, Chapter 14, Verses 15-16, 23b-26

1. Jesus said, “I have much more to tell you…. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth will guide you in all truth.” Now the Spirit has come. Do we know the whole truth about God’s salvific plan? Explain.

2. Compare God breathing life into Adam, and Jesus breathing on the disciples when he gave them the Holy Spirit. What is the significance for you? The disciples’ first task after receiving the Holy Spirit was to forgive sins. What impact does forgiveness of sin have on peace?


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"Whoever loves me will keep my word"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 9, 2010 (6EasterC)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings (Cycle C)
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
"What does the Holy Spirit do in your life?"

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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 of the Apostles, Chapter 15, Verses 1-2, 22-29

1. Is there any growth without tension? Would the Church be better off if there were never dissension and debate? Do the present shames and accusations against the Church have any growth value (besides all the harm done). Is it all “their” fault, or are we all involved?

2. Was this a ceasefire or did the early Christians in this story actually make concessions? Discuss the value of both listening and then representing your own view when coming to work out a problem. How are your listening skills? Do you try to see the other person’s point of view?

Second Reading
Book of Revelation, Chapter 21, Verses 10-14, 22-23

1. Is all of salvation history included in John’s vision? Whichever answer you give, tell why.

2. In his vision John describes what we will see when we meet Christ face to face. How do we see Christ now? Where do we meet him now?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 14, Verses 23-29

1. When you love someone you want to be with that person. How does this relate with the statement, “Whoever loves me, we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” How do you feel about Jesus when he talks like this? What does it tell you about God?

2. The second great gift in this reading is the promise of the Holy Spirit who will teach us everything. Do you think there could be a direct proportion between how much a person loves and how much the Holy Spirit is being allowed to live in that person?

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"Feed my sheep"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Easter, April 18, 2010 (3EasterC)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings (Cycle C)
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: 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
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 5, Verses 27-32, 40-41

1. “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name.” Why the negative attitude and all the objections from the Sanhedrin? How are you with interpretations of God’s word that are different from your own?

2. The apostles rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer and receive dishonor. When you encounter suffering in your life is there anything that helps you accept it? What would make a person “embrace” suffering? Do you know anyone who suffers but also exudes a kind of spiritual joy?

Second Reading
Book of Revelation, Chapter 5, Verses 11-14

1. Why is it right and just that “everything in the universe, cry out: “To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.”

2. Why is Christ called the “Paschal Lamb”? How are cross and resurrection unified in the image of the Paschal Lamb? How is this image a model for the Church?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 21, Verses 1-19

1. Jesus was on the shore. John and the other disciples were in the fishing boat. Why do you think John recognized Jesus before the others? Discuss.

2. How important was Peter’s triple profession of love for Jesus? Would Jesus have entrusted his church to Peter without love being involved? Is this quality important in leaders in the Church today?

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