Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 17, 2012 (11B)
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: Must we believe the Church 100% to be Catholic?
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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
Ezekiel 17: 22-24
1.
What are the similarities between the “tender shoot” in this parable
and the mustard seed in the Gospel? “Birds of every kind shall dwell
beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs.” What do you
think of when you read this?
2. Jesus referred to the “least”
becoming the “greatest” numerous times. How is Jesus’ life an example of
this? Can you think of others who follow(ed) this example?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16
1. "Lord, you are holy indeed. It is right to give you thanks and
praise .... " are familiar words to any Mass-goer. How do you
sincerely give thanks to the Lord in your daily life?
2. How can
you become more like the upright palm tree or the majestic and
firmly-rooted Lebanese cedar? Do others see you as a just and
righteous person through your everyday speech and actions? What can
you change about yourself so that you, too, can "bear fruit even in old
age?"
Second Reading
Corinthians 5: 6-10
1. “Walk by faith, and not by sight.” What does that mean to you?
Paul mentions courage twice in this reading. Why would we need courage
to walk by faith? What other virtues might we need?
2. Discuss
Hans von Balthasar’s comment on this reading: “Paul’s confidence is
constant, regardless of the current spiritual weather patterns in his
life or in that of his congregation. ‘We walk by faith.’”
Gospel
Mark 4:26-34
1.
What is the farmer’s job in both of these parables? What is God’s job?
Could you ask yourself the same two questions about your ministry…your
job and God’s job? Can you trust God to do God’s job?
2. While
the man sleeps and rises night and day the seed sprouts and grows, first
the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Are such
accomplishments due to human beings, technology or the rules of the
Kingdom of God?
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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Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Thursday
"Touch me and see"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 22, 2012 (Easter3B)
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 the Mass a Eucharistic Banquet or a Holy Sacrifice
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
1. In the history of the Church have there been human decisions that were made in ignorance? The present day Church has apologized for some decisions. What can we learn from this?
2. Sometimes people in groups hurt others when they act with lack of knowledge. How can we prevent hurting others or make up for group actions that hurt others?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9
1. Our Psalm Response this week is, "Lord, let your face shine on us." What does it mean to you the have the 'light of His countenance' shine upon you?
2. Our psalmist repeatedly petitions the Lord to answer him and to hear him. Have you also prayed as David did for the Lord to hear your prayer?
What has been the result?
Second Reading
1 John 2:1-5a
1. John says in his epistle, “[Christ] is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.” And in his Gospel John prays, “…that repentance, forgiveness of sins, would be preached in (Christ’s) name to all the nations..” From these statements would you guess that Christ came to save forty-four thousand people? Most people? All people?
2. St. John tells us in this reading that Jesus is our advocate if and when we sin. There is no mention of guilt. If you think of Jesus as a friend who defends you, what does that do to your feelings of guilt?
Gospel
Luke 24:35-48
1. When he appeared in their midst, why did Jesus say, “Peace be with you,” to his disciples? What was the emotional atmosphere in the group at that time? Are there times in your life when you are distraught and you need some peace?
2. Do you reach for God in our midst or God far away? Jesus said, “Touch me and see.” Does it help you that Jesus has experienced trials like yours? Did God take our flesh because he needed to, or because we needed him to?
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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Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 22, 2012 (Easter3B)
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 the Mass a Eucharistic Banquet or a Holy Sacrifice
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
1. In the history of the Church have there been human decisions that were made in ignorance? The present day Church has apologized for some decisions. What can we learn from this?
2. Sometimes people in groups hurt others when they act with lack of knowledge. How can we prevent hurting others or make up for group actions that hurt others?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9
1. Our Psalm Response this week is, "Lord, let your face shine on us." What does it mean to you the have the 'light of His countenance' shine upon you?
2. Our psalmist repeatedly petitions the Lord to answer him and to hear him. Have you also prayed as David did for the Lord to hear your prayer?
What has been the result?
Second Reading
1 John 2:1-5a
1. John says in his epistle, “[Christ] is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.” And in his Gospel John prays, “…that repentance, forgiveness of sins, would be preached in (Christ’s) name to all the nations..” From these statements would you guess that Christ came to save forty-four thousand people? Most people? All people?
2. St. John tells us in this reading that Jesus is our advocate if and when we sin. There is no mention of guilt. If you think of Jesus as a friend who defends you, what does that do to your feelings of guilt?
Gospel
Luke 24:35-48
1. When he appeared in their midst, why did Jesus say, “Peace be with you,” to his disciples? What was the emotional atmosphere in the group at that time? Are there times in your life when you are distraught and you need some peace?
2. Do you reach for God in our midst or God far away? Jesus said, “Touch me and see.” Does it help you that Jesus has experienced trials like yours? Did God take our flesh because he needed to, or because we needed him to?
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.
--
"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?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
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.
--
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?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
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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Wednesday
Whoever serves me must follow me,
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Mar. 25, 2012 (L5B)
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 believe our salvation is a sure thing?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Jeremiah 32: 31-34
1. Exterior observance can be like a stone: all outsides, with frozen insides. What would conversion be like?
2. “I will place my law within them and write it on their hearts” How does this relate to Pope Benedict’s words, “These charity workers need a ‘formation of the heart’: they need to be led to that encounter with God in Christ which awakens their love and opens their spirits to others?” [No. 31a in Benedict XVI’s encyclical, Deus Caritas Est].
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 14-15
1. Our psalmist King David cites the greatness of the Lord's compassion in calling upon God to wipe out his offense. Even though David was an adulterer and a murderer, he knew that he could call upon the Lord to restore him and create for him a clean heart. Does this give you confidence that no matter how serious your sins may be, you can call upon God to be thoroughly cleansed? Explain.
2. As our psalmist implies, it is not enough to call upon God to create a clean heart within us. We must also ask for a steadfast spirit, for the Holy Spirit to be sustained within us. Tell how the Holy Spirit is working within you and what you are inspired to do through the gifts of the Spirit.
Second Reading
Hebrews 5: 7-9
1. Jesus uttered “supplications with loud cries and tears” and he knows our worst pain. How does knowing that impact your own suffering? Do you have to endure suffering alone?
2. Jesus spent his life alleviating the suffering of others. Is he finished with that, or does he continue to care for suffering people today? If so, how? Are you a caretaker or are you cared for?
Gospel
John 12: 20-33
1. Is there any other way for the seed to bear rich fruit other than to die? According to this idea what would it take for Jesus’ good news to spread? Where in this Gospel does the Father confirm the plan of salvation?
2. “Whoever serves me must follow me.” Follow him where? Can’t we skip the cross and go straight to the Resurrection? Can your self-centeredness die and you remain alive?
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.
--
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Mar. 25, 2012 (L5B)
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 believe our salvation is a sure thing?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Jeremiah 32: 31-34
1. Exterior observance can be like a stone: all outsides, with frozen insides. What would conversion be like?
2. “I will place my law within them and write it on their hearts” How does this relate to Pope Benedict’s words, “These charity workers need a ‘formation of the heart’: they need to be led to that encounter with God in Christ which awakens their love and opens their spirits to others?” [No. 31a in Benedict XVI’s encyclical, Deus Caritas Est].
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 14-15
1. Our psalmist King David cites the greatness of the Lord's compassion in calling upon God to wipe out his offense. Even though David was an adulterer and a murderer, he knew that he could call upon the Lord to restore him and create for him a clean heart. Does this give you confidence that no matter how serious your sins may be, you can call upon God to be thoroughly cleansed? Explain.
2. As our psalmist implies, it is not enough to call upon God to create a clean heart within us. We must also ask for a steadfast spirit, for the Holy Spirit to be sustained within us. Tell how the Holy Spirit is working within you and what you are inspired to do through the gifts of the Spirit.
Second Reading
Hebrews 5: 7-9
1. Jesus uttered “supplications with loud cries and tears” and he knows our worst pain. How does knowing that impact your own suffering? Do you have to endure suffering alone?
2. Jesus spent his life alleviating the suffering of others. Is he finished with that, or does he continue to care for suffering people today? If so, how? Are you a caretaker or are you cared for?
Gospel
John 12: 20-33
1. Is there any other way for the seed to bear rich fruit other than to die? According to this idea what would it take for Jesus’ good news to spread? Where in this Gospel does the Father confirm the plan of salvation?
2. “Whoever serves me must follow me.” Follow him where? Can’t we skip the cross and go straight to the Resurrection? Can your self-centeredness die and you remain alive?
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.
--
"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?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
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.
--
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?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
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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