“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

When Jesus presents himself for baptism in the Sunday Gospel for Jan. 11, 2015, John the Baptist protests that he is not worthy to perform this ritual for one greater than himself. But Jesus insists and John relents. This insistence of Jesus seems to be based upon his desire to join all those in Israel, who are not just renouncing their sinfulness (which Jesus would not need to do), but are also declaring their readiness to receive the Lord in whatever manner he may wish to come. After all, the baptism of Jesus is not just an episode in his private life; it is the invitation of a whole people to accept God’s initiative for salvation.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 12, 2014 (BaptismA)
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: Why do Catholics baptize their infants?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 42, verses 1-4, 6-7

1. The main objective of the Chosen One is to bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. How does Isaiah say he will accomplish this mighty enlightening of the world? How does the Church help to accomplish it today?

2. If enlightening the world isn’t in the cards for you, is there one dark corner you can brighten somehow?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 29: 1-4, 9-10

1. The Psalm speaks of the power of the voice of the Lord. How do we hear the voice of God in our lives? What is the Lord saying to us?

2. The Psalm says we are to give glory and praise to the Lord. How do we do this in our daily lives? What inspires us to want to sing praise to our Lord?

Second Reading
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10, Verses 34-38

1. The Psalm asks us, as sons of God, to give to the Lord glory and praise. Tell of what you are doing to serve the Lord and adore Him within your family and your community.

2. Our psalmist speaks of a powerful, majestic God, who speaks with a mighty, thundering voice. How is God's majesty at work in you, and how have you been empowered to be a good witness for the Lord?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 3, Verses 13-17

1. Compare the visitation of the Magi with the baptism of Jesus. Are they both epiphanies?

2. Was the Trinity present at the baptism of Jesus? Do you think the Father and Holy Spirit were with Jesus throughout his entire earthly life even when he was on the cross? How does that thought make you feel about God the Father and the Holy Spirit? Do you think they are with you even when you feel as though they are absolutely not?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
---

"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?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

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?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

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. 
--

"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?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

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. 
--

"I am the resurrection and the life"

The Fifth Sunday of Lent's Gospel story of the raising of Lazarus narrative in John's Gospel (11:1-44) is the climax of the signs of Jesus. The story is situated shortly before Jesus is captured, tried and crucified. It is the event that most directly results in his condemnation by those seeking to kill him.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Apr. 6, 2014 (5LentA)
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
Why do we say the Rosary at Catholic funerals?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Book of Ezekiel, Chapter 37, Verses 12-14

1. God makes two promises to Israel, “I will bring you up from your graves. I will put my spirit within you and you shall live.” On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate these two gifts God promised? Are these promises made to you also?

2. Would your actions change if you really believed you had access to the Holy Spirit at all times? How?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 130: 1-8

1. The Psalmist 'cries out' to the Lord for mercy. Have you also cried out to the Lord for forgiveness because of your sins? What was the outcome of your prayer?

2. The Psalm says that 'with the Lord there is fullness of redemption.' Do you believe that the Lord will save you from the consequences of your sins? What does the Lord ask of you in return?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 8, Verses 8-11

1. Discuss von Balthasar’s idea that if you are guided by the Spirit rather than by the flesh “the germ of divine, eternal life already lives in you with this Spirit and you hold a ‘down-payment,’ as it were, a ticket to God’s life.”

2. St. Paul said, “Those of you who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Do you think he meant, “Those of you who are led by the temptations of the flesh cannot please God”? What is the difference??

Gospel
According to John, Chapter l1, Verses 1-45

1. How does the raising of Lazarus point to Jesus’ words,” I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live”? Compare Jesus’ statement, “Untie him and let him go,” with Moses’ statement to the Pharaoh, “Let my people go.”

2. How would you feel if there were no life after death? But Jesus won the battle over death. What does that mean to you? In all these readings we are encouraged to choose life when faced with “death.” How do you do that in your daily life?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
-

"Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst"

The story of the Woman at the Well in the Gospel of John for the Third Sunday of Lent is incredibly rich and full of meaning. It certainly offers plenty of material for fruitful meditation during this season of Lent.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Lent, Mar. 23, 2014 (3LentA)
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: "Can non-Catholic people go to heaven?"

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of Exodus, Chapter 17, Verses 3-7

1. Marching through the desert, panicky with thirst, the Israelites had some difficulty believing that God was with them. Can you relate to this situation in some way? It was a serious confrontation and Moses was afraid for his life. What did he do? What would help you?

2. Think of all the ways water is important in your life. The name of the mountain where Moses struck the rock was Horeb, which means “dry” or “desolate.” What is the significance of this and of the water imagery in salvation history?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 95:  1-2, 6-9

1. The Psalm says that we are the people the Lord shepherds. In what way do you feel like one of his sheep?

2. The Psalm mentions that our spiritual ancestors hardened their hearts at Meribah. Does that also happen to you sometimes? Do you turn away from the Lord and doubt that he cares for you? If so, what is it that allows you to trust the Lord again?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 5, Verses 1-2, 5-8

1. Everything has been done for us. Christ died for all of us, made us deserving and gave us his Spirit to pour God’s love into our hearts. What is our part?

2. Paul says that “the Holy Spirit has been given to us.” What do these words mean to you? Do you rely on the Holy Spirit to come to your aid when you need help? How often do you call on the Holy Spirit?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 4, Verses 5-42

1. “For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans,” the Gospel says. But the woman at the well was a Samaritan. How did Jesus handle this problem, and also the gender issue at the well? When was the only other time Jesus mentions his thirst? Do you think it was the same thirst?

2. Why did the woman leave her jar and go into town to tell everyone what had happened? Does that part of the story have any significance for you? What does “living water” mean to you? For what do you thirst?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

"Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 26, 2012 (L1B)
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 do Catholics baptize their children as babies?"

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Genesis, Chapter 9, Verses 8-15

1. God made a covenant with us, and included every living thing. Does this reconfigure your attitude toward creation? How? Why do you think God chose a rainbow to be a sign of this covenant?

2. Explain how the Genesis story of Noah and the flood is a foreshadowing of Christian baptism.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

1. Our Psalm speaks of being taught by the Lord ("teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me; he teaches the humble his way.") Are you a good student of the Lord? Tell about what you have learned or are learning from the Lord.

2. According to our psalmist, the Lord "shows sinners the way." As we enter the season of Lent, we could all use some guidance and help as we strive for repentance and to be bolder in our faith. xplain what you will do during Lent to become a more obedient Christian and a better witness for your faith.

Second Reading
1 Peter, Chapter 3, Verses 18-22

1. Is baptism something we undertake, or is it a gift of life that we simply accept as made possible through the resurrection of Jesus?

2. Baptism is about dying and rising. Do you have any Lenten plans that might impact your dying to self or figuratively speaking, rising from the dead?

Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 12-15

1. “He was among the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.” What are the “wild beasts” in your life? Who are the angels who minister to you? Where do you yourself minister?

2. The Spirit drove Jesus into the desert to prepare for his public ministry. How do you prepare for important events? Do you let the Spirit “drive” you? What is the food that sustains you? How does fasting or emptying yourself in some way help sharpen your spiritual appetites?

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.