"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?"

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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
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.