"Little girl, I say to you, arise!"

In the Readings for Sunday, July 1, 2012, Jairus, the Synagogue official was in a panic.  His little 12 year old daughter was dying.  The worst possible thing a parent can experience was about to take place. He pleaded with Jesus.  Jesus rushed with him to care for the girl. 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
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 1, 2012 (13B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Do you Cry at Funerals? Why?

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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
Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

1. “For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him.” What in humankind’s nature is made in God’s own image? Is it true of all of humankind or just Christians?

2. God’s love and presence transform all of human existence, says theologian Karl Rahner. Discuss this statement of his: “Humans remain always graced by an inner dynamism thrusting toward the God who calls and gives Godself.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13

1. Our psalmist praises God for having rescued him and brought him 'up from the netherworld.' Tell about how you have been saved from your enemies, the devil and his companions.

2. The Psalm says that the anger of the Lord lasts but a moment. Have you been rebuked by the Lord? If so, what did you learn from this, and in what way are you grateful for being corrected by the Lord?

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15


To which do you think the myriad poor people in the world respond better, a wealthy God or a poor God? Explain. With which do you feel more comfortable? Why?

2. How do you feel when you share some of your gifts or wealth with those less fortunate? Ask yourself what your own real wealth might be.

Gospel
Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

1. The woman with the hemorrhage had a condition unacceptable to the culture of the time. What did she risk when she joined the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment? What did Jairus risk? Does your faith involve you in risk-taking? Explain.

2. Are there still people today who are shunned because of diseases? Are women still oppressed in harsh cultures? Do children die because of malnutrition and disease in third–world countries? What kinds of miracles or what small acts can you perform in Jesus’ name to alleviate the suffering?

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.