"Make straight the way of the Lord"

This Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, the third Sunday of Advent, is often called "Gaudate" which means, "rejoice". We count it as the mid-point of this season of anticipation. You will notice that the candle we light this Sunday is pink not purple and the priest's stole and other parts of our altar environment are rose suggesting a more rejoicing attitude.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 14, 2014 (3AdvB)
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 Catholics "worship" Mary as we do Jesus?

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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 61, Verses 1-2a, 10-11

1. The Lord sent Isaiah to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, give liberty to captives and release to prisoners. Do you participate in the sorrows of the world in any way? Are these lines glad tidings for you? On the other hand, do you help with the healing and liberation of prisoners?

2. “As the earth brings forth its plants . . . as a garden makes its growth spring up. . .” Can you trust this God who keeps the earth fruitful year after year, to keep his promises? What gift mentioned in the first and second readings did God plant deep within our hearts to transform us from the inside?

Responsorial Psalm
Luke 1: 46-50, 53-54

1. Our Blessed Mother says, "the Almighty has done great things for me." In what way do you also believe that God has done great things for you, and how have you responded?

2. Mary declares that God has filled the 'hungry' with good things. Do you consider yourself one of the hungry ones? And if so, in what way has the Lord fed you with good things?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 5, Verses 18-24

1. How can you actively ensure that the Spirit has opportunities to work in you? How would “test everything and pray without ceasing” work toward that end? How can anyone “rejoice always” when they are suffering? Do you know people who seem to do that?

2. What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit working in the depths of your spirit and God’s peace that is applied to your body, soul and spirit?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 1, Verses 6-8, 19-28

1. In the first reading Isaiah was sent with a message from God. In the Gospel God sends John to testify to the light of Christ. Does God send you? How could you testify to the light in some way?

2. What are the “crooked roads and deserts” that bother you most? What would happen if you were the “voice” trying to straighten things out? Who would help you do this?

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.

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."

Where do we look for hope? Has God abandoned us or is God bidding us to look beyond what presently imprisons us in darkness? Sunday's Gospel for Dec. 7, 2014 tells us that John the Baptist faced very similar conditions during his day. And at the very outset, Mark declares his gospel to be the "good news."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 7, 2014 (2AdvB)
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 the Old Testament Root of Baptism?

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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 40, Verses 1-5, 9-11

1. Left to human management world history is a wasteland or at best a rough road. What in this reading makes the rough spots in life smoother? Is your road smooth all the time? Rough? Does God walk with you when you are in “rugged country”? How do you know that?

2. “For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” What “Word” has God spoken to us? Could the Word be the “shepherd gathering lambs in his arms? Do you think God has always been walking on the roads of world history, even before he spoke his Word?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14

1. Our psalmist says, "I will hear what God proclaims." For us, this verse can be seen as a reminder to study the Word of the Lord. Explain how your study of the Word is strengthening your faith.

2. The Psalm says that, "Truth shall spring out of the earth." This verse may foretell the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. What else about the Psalm prepares us for the birth of our Savior?
Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 3, Verses 8-14

1. What does the statement from this reading “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.” mean to you?

2. What is your relationship with earth? Do you take the earth for granted, or do you treat it with reverence? Give an example of treating earth with reverence.

Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 1-8

1. How do you share John the Baptist’s mission to proclaim Christ’s coming in the world? Do you do this with words or by the way you live? How is John’s message of repentance and judgment different from Jesus’?

2. Are there “noises” that block out John the Baptist’s cry, “Prepare the way of the Lord” for you? What are they? What can you do during Advent to block the “noises”?

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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"Be watchful! Be alert!"

The Gospel passage for Sunday, November 30, 2014, proclaims the essential truth that will be celebrated in all its dimensions throughout the year -- namely, the "advent" truth that God has come in the person of Jesus Christ, and that the same Lord, now invisibly present through the Spirit, will come again in power and glory.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30, 2014 (1AdvB)
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: Did John the Baptist go straight to heaven when he died?

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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 63, Verses 16-17, 19; Chapter 64, Verses 2-7

1. Picture a potter working with clay? Describe it. Even though we wander away from the Lord, God is our father and handles us as a potter handles the clay. Explain this metaphor.

2. “. . . that we were mindful of you in our ways!” Is there a veil that keeps you from seeing God’s presence at work in your life and in your world? How can you use Advent to lift that veil, to get more in touch with God in and around you?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

1. The Psalm says, 'Lord, make us turn to you ....' Have you noticed at times when we stray off His path how the Lord tugs at each of us so that we return to His ways.  Give an example from your own experience.

2. Our psalmist is writing about the scattered people of Israel, but his words may apply to each of us in our separation from God. In what way are you inspired by the Psalm's verses to repent
and seek renewal?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 3-9

1. What gift does Paul say you have been given in order to do God’s work now, as you wait for Christ’s coming at the end of your life? The concern here is to make sure you are ready for life with God after death. Is there life with God before your death? Explain.

2. St. Paul says “that in him you were enriched in every way.” In what ways has God enriched you personally? To say Paul’s words in another way, his gift to us is the richness of everything in him. What richness in Christ is he passing on to you?

Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 13, Verses 33-37

1. As vigilant gatekeepers watching for the Lord of the house, what signs do you see that tell you God is present in the world and in your life?

2. As gatekeepers we are responsible for the preservation of the gift of the earth. What is the Church’s responsibility in the maintenance of the earth’s life? What is your responsibility in this?

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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"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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"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.
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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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"We have found the Messiah"

In this Sunday's Readings - Second Sunday In Ordinary Time (2B), January 18, 2015 - John the Baptist looks hard at Jesus and says, ‘Look there is the Lamb of God.’ The two disciples with him immediately follow Jesus. Our Discussion Questions below will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday In Ordinary Time, Jan. 18, 2015 (2B)
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 applaud after the homily?

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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
1 Samuel, Chapter 3, Verses 3-10, 19

1. Does God always "call" at the perfect time? Is there confusion sometimes when God calls? It took Samuel three times to get it right; do you always recognize God's call right away? Explain.

2. Samuel was a young boy at the time of this reading. But aren't the most experienced sages always the ones called to do God's work? Which category do you fit into? "Experienced sage"? "Young child"? What is God calling you to do?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

1. In this beautiful Psalm our psalmist speaks of waiting, waiting for the Lord. Tell what it means to you to have waited for the Lord, and what has been the result of your presenting yourself to the Lord?

2. Our psalmist is delighted to do God's will; he says to God, "your law is within my heart!" Have you also felt the Lord's pleasure when you obey him and serve him? What does it mean to you to say God's law is within my heart?

Second Reading
1 Corinthians, Chapter 6, Verses 13-15, 17-20


1. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?" How is your awareness of the Holy Spirit within you? Does it help you show reverence for all the people in your life?

2. Do you call on the Holy Spirit for guidance? Do you get it? Explain. Do you receive some peace along with the guidance? Does the Holy Spirit enjoy, indeed, wait to be called upon for help?

Gospel
John, Chapter 1, Verses 35-42

1. Jesus asked, "What are you looking for"? What do you think he meant? How would you answer that question?

2. The second loaded question, "Where are you staying," could be restated, "Where can we spend time with you?" Do you spend time in the presence of God? Did the disciples find what they were looking for when they spent time with Jesus? What was that? Will it work for you?

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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