"Stop making my Father's house a marketplace."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Lent, Mar. 11, 2012 (L3B)
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 commandments require restitution?

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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
Exodus 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17

1. Why do you think the Ten Commandments have survived all the way from the time of Moses? Is there more in each one than we ordinarily see? For instance, respect life could be extrapolated from “Thou shalt not kill." Try some others.

2. If there were ten commandments, why would Jesus say that there were only two? Which one do you say is most important? Do you follow it? What about the others?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11

1. Our psalmist says that the ordinances of the Lord are 'sweeter than honey.' How can it be that, instead of being harsh, the commandments of the Lord are sweet to the taste? Explain.

2. Our psalmist says that the commandments of the Lord are a source of joy -- they 'rejoice the heart.' Tell about how obeying the commandments can be a source of joy in your life. .

Second Reading
1 Corinthians 1:22-25

1. After Jesus drives out the money changers in the Gospel, the people ask this question: “What sign can you show us for doing this?” What did Paul proclaim as the sign and the wisdom for those who are called?

2. To what do the “foolishness” and “weakness” of God refer? St. Paul says the Jews had a problem accepting Christ crucified. What about you; how do you accept him? And what about the crosses in your own life? Can they be “stumbling blocks” for you too?

Gospel
Gospel: John 2:13-25

1. Jesus drove the salespeople out of the temple. Why did he do this? And, if you are a “Temple of the Holy Spirit, what are the implications for you? What needs to be driven out?

2. John says that “Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” What does this tell you about Jesus? Is it helpful to know this, or fearsome?

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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