"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Mar. 18, 2012 (L4B)
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 Jesus and God the same?

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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
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

1. Do you think God continues to send messengers now? What about you personally: does God send messengers “early and often”? Can you give an example? What can you do to “open your door wider” so that all the messengers can get in?

2. Name some people who were rejected because of the messages they delivered.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

1. This Sunday's Response is, "Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!" When you are separated from God because of sin,
have you noticed how it becomes difficult to praise and worship Him? In a way your tongue becomes silenced for a time. Explain how you can get your voice back and start again singing a song of the Lord.

2. Our psalmist tells us that it was difficult for the Israelites captive in Babylon to sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land. Is it sometimes difficult for you to speak of your faith in the company of non-believers? If you are being persecuted by a world that does not acknowledge you as one of its own, how do you overcome your reticence and speak boldly of your faith?

Second Reading
Ephesians 2: 4-10


1. In Diary of a Country Priest, the writer,George Bernanos’makes this statement: “Grace is everywhere.” Can this be true? Discuss.

2. How would you define grace? Describe three places where “the immeasurable riches of his grace “ are at work in the world or in your life today.

Gospel
John 3:14-21

1. “God so loved the world that he gave us his only son.” What did Jesus say motivates the Father to treat the world so well? What did the Father do when so motivated? How is our salvation accomplished? If you imitate God. what motivates your penance and good works?

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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