"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 15, 2012 (Easter2B)
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 Faith?

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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
Acts 4:32-35

1. The treatment of possessions by the community in this reading is the early Church’s example of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. How does your treatment of possessions compare with theirs?

2. Who are the needy in your immediate life? Can you take care of at least some of their needs? What, if anything, can you do about the needs of people in your extended world? If you joined forces with another person or group could you do something to alleviate needs of these people?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24

1. Our Response is, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." On this Easter Sunday, explain what is the basis of your joy and gladness and how your life is affected by our exalted Savior.

2. Our Lord, rejected by the 'builders' of his time, has become the 'cornerstone' of our lives. What does it mean to you to build your faith on the resurrection of Jesus?

Second Reading
John 5:1-6


1. Are you a Christian because of what you have done or what Christ has done? What is more important, belief in Jesus or performance of good deeds?

2. If you have faith that “Jesus is the Christ and is begotten by God,” what can you conquer?

Gospel
John 20:19-31

1. The disciples were afraid after Jesus’ death and they locked the doors. Are there times in your life when you have wanted to lock the doors of your life? What calmed the disciples’ fears? What calms yours?

2. What is the significance of Jesus’ breathe when he gave the disciples the Holy Spirit? Do you receive the same Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation? Does the Holy Spirit act differently in you than in them? Jesus empowered his disciples with his Spirit so they could pass the gift of peace on to others. Is peace related to forgiveness of sins? How?

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. 
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