"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?"

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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
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.

"If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 13, 2011 (6A)
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: Is Divorce a sin according to the Catholic Church?

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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
Book of Sirach, Chapter 15, Verses 15-20

1. Which do you choose, life or death; good or evil? Do you always know which is which? Why did God give us free choice?

2. Are the “eyes of God are on those who fear him”? Does he “understand man’s every deed”? If so, shouldn’t we be frightened? Or is God one who forgives and loves even sinners?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 119: 1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

1. How is Jesus the fulfillment of the "law" referred to throughout the Psalm? (Refer to this week's opening Gospel verse Matthew 5:17)

2. What actions could you take to follow God's laws more closely? A daily examination of conscience, perhaps?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 2, Verses 6-10

1. Discuss the beautiful scene in nature that you like best, or your favorite painting, or your most preferred music. Take your time. Now read from the Second Reading what St. Paul tells us God has prepared for those who love him. Can you sense something of will be?

2. How is it that the Spirit can scrutinize the depths of God? Discuss ways in which the Spirit scrutinizes you.

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 17-37

1. The purpose of the law was given at Sinai: “You shall be holy as I am holy.” How does Jesus fulfill this law? Why would Jesus want to show us what it means to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect?” (Mt 5:48)

2. One of the ten commandments says “You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.” Is Jesus replacing this commandment when he says “Whoever is angry with brother will be liable to judgment”? How is it possible not to be angry? Will God forgive anger?

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

"And the two shall become one flesh."

Sunday Reading Reflections
"And the two shall become one flesh."
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 4, 2009 (27B)

SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
Click COMMENTS below to leave your reflections.


First Reading
Book of Genesis, Chapter 2, Verses 18-24

1. Adam, one of us, gave each creature its name. Have we cared fir the planet and all the life on it? What about environment problems on the earth? Discuss what can you do in your home or place of work to make changes for the better.

2. Do you think the culture from which this story comes values women the same as men? Why or why not? What would you say to a person who thinks the superiority of men over women is divinely revealed in this text? What would you do if the women and men in your work place were not treated as equals?

Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 2, Verses 9-11

1. What ideas do you get when you tie the first line of the first reading, “The Lord God said: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’” with the first line from the second, “for a little while” he was with us?

2. Jesus consecrated himself to his Father and us along with him. He called us sisters and brothers. What about our own reverence in order towards our brothers and sisters? Do you treat the bag lady with the same respect as you do the CEO?

Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 2-16

1. The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus by their question about divorce, He answered with a question about what Moses allowed. Why did Jesus responded at all? In the light of human weakness do you think concessions like annulments are necessary?

2. All deep bonds with others have a profound effect on our lives. What kinds of things bring people together in the first place? What can you do to hold those bonds intact?

Share Your Reflections
Click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections.