Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2012 (PentecostB)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Readings: Vigil Mass
Sunday Readings: Sunday Mass
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What does the Holy Spirit do in your life?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
1.
In the First Reading the Holy Spirit is given as tongues of fire
accompanied by a strong driving wind. In the Gospel Jesus was in the
disciples’ midst and gave them the Spirit too by breathing on them. Do
you have an idea how there could be two different descriptions of this
superatural event?
2. Did the Holy Spirit come only once in
history, to the apostles and Mary in the upper room? Or do you see the
Holy Spirit as dynamic and constant in every life? How were the
disciples different after the Spirit’s arrival? Are you different when
you are confident that the Spirit is with you? Explain.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
1. Our Psalm reminds us that we are dependent on the Lord for our very
breath. Tell about what makes you aware of the 'divine Breath' in your
life.
2. Our Sunday Psalm Response is, 'Lord, send out your
Spirit and renew the face of the earth.' Is the Holy Spirit doing a work
in you? Are you a 'new creation?' Speak about your baptism in the
Holy Spirit.
Second Reading
Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
1. “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for
some benefit.” Were Vivaldi and Michelangelo given gifts solely for
their own pleasure? For whose benefit were they given? What are your
gifts and for what benefit were they given to you and those around you?
2.
St. Alphonsus Rodriguez was a Jesuit Brother (1533-1617), whose job for
forty years was to answer the door of the Jesuit College in Majorca.
Would his spiritual gift of service compare to that of St. Francis
Xavier, who converted whole countries? How?
Gospel
John 20:19-23
1.
Jesus “breathed” on them. How does this relate to Genesis 2:7, “God
formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life?” How is this significant for you? How important is the
Holy Spirit to you?
2. Jesus said, “Peace be with you…,” and the
disciples’ first task after receiving the Holy Spirit was to forgive
sins. What impact does forgiveness of sin have on peace? Is it always
easy to forgive? How peaceful do you feel when you experience problems
with forgiveness?
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.
--
Showing posts with label sin forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sin forgiveness. Show all posts
Thursday
Wednesday
"Stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Lent, Mar. 11, 2012 (L3B)
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 commandments require restitution?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Exodus 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17
1. Why do you think the Ten Commandments have survived all the way from the time of Moses? Is there more in each one than we ordinarily see? For instance, respect life could be extrapolated from “Thou shalt not kill." Try some others.
2. If there were ten commandments, why would Jesus say that there were only two? Which one do you say is most important? Do you follow it? What about the others?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11
1. Our psalmist says that the ordinances of the Lord are 'sweeter than honey.' How can it be that, instead of being harsh, the commandments of the Lord are sweet to the taste? Explain.
2. Our psalmist says that the commandments of the Lord are a source of joy -- they 'rejoice the heart.' Tell about how obeying the commandments can be a source of joy in your life. .
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
1. After Jesus drives out the money changers in the Gospel, the people ask this question: “What sign can you show us for doing this?” What did Paul proclaim as the sign and the wisdom for those who are called?
2. To what do the “foolishness” and “weakness” of God refer? St. Paul says the Jews had a problem accepting Christ crucified. What about you; how do you accept him? And what about the crosses in your own life? Can they be “stumbling blocks” for you too?
Gospel
Gospel: John 2:13-25
1. Jesus drove the salespeople out of the temple. Why did he do this? And, if you are a “Temple of the Holy Spirit, what are the implications for you? What needs to be driven out?
2. John says that “Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” What does this tell you about Jesus? Is it helpful to know this, or fearsome?
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.
--
Third Sunday of Lent, Mar. 11, 2012 (L3B)
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 commandments require restitution?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Exodus 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17
1. Why do you think the Ten Commandments have survived all the way from the time of Moses? Is there more in each one than we ordinarily see? For instance, respect life could be extrapolated from “Thou shalt not kill." Try some others.
2. If there were ten commandments, why would Jesus say that there were only two? Which one do you say is most important? Do you follow it? What about the others?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11
1. Our psalmist says that the ordinances of the Lord are 'sweeter than honey.' How can it be that, instead of being harsh, the commandments of the Lord are sweet to the taste? Explain.
2. Our psalmist says that the commandments of the Lord are a source of joy -- they 'rejoice the heart.' Tell about how obeying the commandments can be a source of joy in your life. .
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
1. After Jesus drives out the money changers in the Gospel, the people ask this question: “What sign can you show us for doing this?” What did Paul proclaim as the sign and the wisdom for those who are called?
2. To what do the “foolishness” and “weakness” of God refer? St. Paul says the Jews had a problem accepting Christ crucified. What about you; how do you accept him? And what about the crosses in your own life? Can they be “stumbling blocks” for you too?
Gospel
Gospel: John 2:13-25
1. Jesus drove the salespeople out of the temple. Why did he do this? And, if you are a “Temple of the Holy Spirit, what are the implications for you? What needs to be driven out?
2. John says that “Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” What does this tell you about Jesus? Is it helpful to know this, or fearsome?
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.
--
Thursday
"Child, your sins are forgiven."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 19, 2012 (7B)
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: Should you Confess before Communion?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Isaiah, Chapter 43, Verses 18-19, 21-22, 24-25
1. God says he is wiping out the people’s sins for his own sake. Does this mean that he is not doing it for the sake of the people? Have they displeased him? Does this mean that even our sins cannot prevent God from loving us and forgiving us?
2. In this reading, God says, "I am doing something new!....your sins I remember no more.” How does it make you feel to know that forgiveness and mercy are available to you all the time, even when you don't deserve them; that God isn’t keeping track of all your evil deeds, but forgets them all instead? How are you at forgetting other people’s transgressions against you?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 41: 2-3, 4-5, 13-14
1. The Psalm speaks about the need for healing when one has sinned against the Lord. Our psalmist says the Lord will help the sinner on his sickbed. Do you believe that being in a state of sin is the same as being afflicted with a sickness? If so, who is the physician that will take away your ailment and how do you get him to cure you?
2. Our psalmist seeks to stand in the Lord's presence forever. He also suggests that he will be restored from his misfortune because of his regard for the weak and the lowly. Does this remind you of the regard that our savior Jesus also had for the weak. What do you have to do to be able to stand in the Lord's presence for all eternity?
Second Reading
2 Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 18-22
1. What does a “first installment” of the Spirit imply? What does it mean to you to have the Holy Spirit in your heart, ready to help you in any and every circumstance of your life? Do you ever remember this gift when you are in trouble?
2. The Spirit is in your heart helping you in all things. If this is the first installment, then what do you suppose the final installment or the payment in full will be?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12
1. What obstacles might have stood in the way of the men taking their paralyzed friend to Jesus? Whose faith did Jesus reward? Do obstacles stop you? What allows you to do the impossible? Referring to the fact that the friends got the paralytic in to see Jesus, discuss Willa Cather’s statement: “Where there is great love, there are miracles.”
2. Why were the scribes concerned about Jesus forgiving sins? Jesus said, "Which is easier, to say...' Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, "Rise, pick up your mat and walk?'" So why do you think Jesus performed that miracle?
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.
--
Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 19, 2012 (7B)
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: Should you Confess before Communion?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Isaiah, Chapter 43, Verses 18-19, 21-22, 24-25
1. God says he is wiping out the people’s sins for his own sake. Does this mean that he is not doing it for the sake of the people? Have they displeased him? Does this mean that even our sins cannot prevent God from loving us and forgiving us?
2. In this reading, God says, "I am doing something new!....your sins I remember no more.” How does it make you feel to know that forgiveness and mercy are available to you all the time, even when you don't deserve them; that God isn’t keeping track of all your evil deeds, but forgets them all instead? How are you at forgetting other people’s transgressions against you?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 41: 2-3, 4-5, 13-14
1. The Psalm speaks about the need for healing when one has sinned against the Lord. Our psalmist says the Lord will help the sinner on his sickbed. Do you believe that being in a state of sin is the same as being afflicted with a sickness? If so, who is the physician that will take away your ailment and how do you get him to cure you?
2. Our psalmist seeks to stand in the Lord's presence forever. He also suggests that he will be restored from his misfortune because of his regard for the weak and the lowly. Does this remind you of the regard that our savior Jesus also had for the weak. What do you have to do to be able to stand in the Lord's presence for all eternity?
Second Reading
2 Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 18-22
1. What does a “first installment” of the Spirit imply? What does it mean to you to have the Holy Spirit in your heart, ready to help you in any and every circumstance of your life? Do you ever remember this gift when you are in trouble?
2. The Spirit is in your heart helping you in all things. If this is the first installment, then what do you suppose the final installment or the payment in full will be?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12
1. What obstacles might have stood in the way of the men taking their paralyzed friend to Jesus? Whose faith did Jesus reward? Do obstacles stop you? What allows you to do the impossible? Referring to the fact that the friends got the paralytic in to see Jesus, discuss Willa Cather’s statement: “Where there is great love, there are miracles.”
2. Why were the scribes concerned about Jesus forgiving sins? Jesus said, "Which is easier, to say...' Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, "Rise, pick up your mat and walk?'" So why do you think Jesus performed that miracle?
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.
--
"If you wish, you can make me clean."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 12, 2012 (6B)
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: Can we who are sinful be part of Jesus’ mission?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Leviticus, Chapter 13, Verses 1-2, 44-46
1. Compare and contrast the way lepers were treated in the Old Testament (First Reading) with the way Jesus treated them.
2. How would you feel if because of some ritual, you were made to tear your clothes, be excluded, made to live apart from those you love and forced to announce your presence by shouting, “Unclean”? Discuss rules, regulations or rituals that could be improved by taking people’s feelings into consideration.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 32: 1-2, 5, 11
1. This Sunday's Psalm Response is, "I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation." Tell of a 'time of trouble' in your life when you turned to the Lord, confessed your faults, and were filled with the 'joy of salvation.'
2. Our psalmist is grateful for God's gift of forgiveness; having confessed his sin before God, he is a new creation thanks to the grace of God. Give an example of how your anxiety over your sin ceases when you bow down and confess your faults to the Lord.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians, Chapter 10, Verse 31, Chapter 11, Verse 1
1. St. Paul says, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” What is the “whatever you do” in your case? During which of your day’s activities is it easy for you to remember the presence of God? Which are hard?
2. "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." On his own, could Paul take away people's sins? Could he reach out to people and heal them spiritually through the power of Jesus? What can you do through the power of Jesus?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 40-45
1. Using Jesus’ healing of the leper as an example, describe the new world order that he was trying to establish. The old laws were written on stone—where do you think Jesus’ new laws are written?
2. "Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, 'I do will it. Be made clean.' " If you come to Jesus with a problem, do you think he will be moved with pity and touch you in some healing way? Have you been healed in any way? Can you help heal those who are ailing around you? How can your scars help in healing others?
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.
--
Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 12, 2012 (6B)
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: Can we who are sinful be part of Jesus’ mission?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Leviticus, Chapter 13, Verses 1-2, 44-46
1. Compare and contrast the way lepers were treated in the Old Testament (First Reading) with the way Jesus treated them.
2. How would you feel if because of some ritual, you were made to tear your clothes, be excluded, made to live apart from those you love and forced to announce your presence by shouting, “Unclean”? Discuss rules, regulations or rituals that could be improved by taking people’s feelings into consideration.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 32: 1-2, 5, 11
1. This Sunday's Psalm Response is, "I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation." Tell of a 'time of trouble' in your life when you turned to the Lord, confessed your faults, and were filled with the 'joy of salvation.'
2. Our psalmist is grateful for God's gift of forgiveness; having confessed his sin before God, he is a new creation thanks to the grace of God. Give an example of how your anxiety over your sin ceases when you bow down and confess your faults to the Lord.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians, Chapter 10, Verse 31, Chapter 11, Verse 1
1. St. Paul says, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” What is the “whatever you do” in your case? During which of your day’s activities is it easy for you to remember the presence of God? Which are hard?
2. "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." On his own, could Paul take away people's sins? Could he reach out to people and heal them spiritually through the power of Jesus? What can you do through the power of Jesus?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 40-45
1. Using Jesus’ healing of the leper as an example, describe the new world order that he was trying to establish. The old laws were written on stone—where do you think Jesus’ new laws are written?
2. "Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, 'I do will it. Be made clean.' " If you come to Jesus with a problem, do you think he will be moved with pity and touch you in some healing way? Have you been healed in any way? Can you help heal those who are ailing around you? How can your scars help in healing others?
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.
--
Wednesday
"Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 6, 2011 (32A)
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: Must we believe the Church 100% to be Catholic?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 6, Verses 12-16
1. In this reading people are looking for Wisdom at the same time that Wisdom is searching for them. What does your “wanting wisdom” do for your “receiving wisdom”? Explain the following line from the reading: “…whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.”
2. Consider and discuss the following statement by theologian and liturgical writer, Aelred Rosser: “Wisdom is that elusive attribute that enables us to see beyond the surface of things into their depths, to see as God sees, and therefore to see God.”
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
1. Our psalmist is thirsting for the Lord. Have you also gone through a time in your life when your soul is 'parched' and 'lifeless.' Describe how the Lord satisfies your spiritual thirst.
2. Our psalmist says he shouts for joy in the 'shadow of God's wings.' What does it mean to you to be in the 'shadow of His wings?'
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 4, Verses 13-18
1. Would you live differently if you thought the “end time” was right around the corner as the Thessalonians did? What would change?
2. Those who are alive will be caught up together with Christ and with those who have died. Does the fact that we are going to be “caught up” as a people or as a community in Christ have any implications for you now?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 25, Verses 1-13
1. Jesus’ parable is about being watchful and well prepared. How can you do this yourself? Is the “Be watchful” assignment just for people over a certain age, or people who have gotten bad news from their doctors?
2. When you watch for God in your life do you sometimes “doze off”? What kinds of things cause you to to lose interest or stop “watching”? What exactly are you watching for? How does this reading relate to the First Reading about Wisdom?
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.
--
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 6, 2011 (32A)
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: Must we believe the Church 100% to be Catholic?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 6, Verses 12-16
1. In this reading people are looking for Wisdom at the same time that Wisdom is searching for them. What does your “wanting wisdom” do for your “receiving wisdom”? Explain the following line from the reading: “…whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.”
2. Consider and discuss the following statement by theologian and liturgical writer, Aelred Rosser: “Wisdom is that elusive attribute that enables us to see beyond the surface of things into their depths, to see as God sees, and therefore to see God.”
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
1. Our psalmist is thirsting for the Lord. Have you also gone through a time in your life when your soul is 'parched' and 'lifeless.' Describe how the Lord satisfies your spiritual thirst.
2. Our psalmist says he shouts for joy in the 'shadow of God's wings.' What does it mean to you to be in the 'shadow of His wings?'
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 4, Verses 13-18
1. Would you live differently if you thought the “end time” was right around the corner as the Thessalonians did? What would change?
2. Those who are alive will be caught up together with Christ and with those who have died. Does the fact that we are going to be “caught up” as a people or as a community in Christ have any implications for you now?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 25, Verses 1-13
1. Jesus’ parable is about being watchful and well prepared. How can you do this yourself? Is the “Be watchful” assignment just for people over a certain age, or people who have gotten bad news from their doctors?
2. When you watch for God in your life do you sometimes “doze off”? What kinds of things cause you to to lose interest or stop “watching”? What exactly are you watching for? How does this reading relate to the First Reading about Wisdom?
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.
--
Thursday
"How often must I forgive?"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 11, 2011 (24A)
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 commandments require restitution?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of Sirach, Chapter 27, Verse 30; Chapter 28, Verses 1-7
1. Is it harder for you to forgive to ask for forgiveness? How good are you at overlooking the faults of others as Sirach suggests? What about this: do you forgive yourself?
2. When you want to “hug wrath and anger tight”(to paraphrase the reading), do you have ways, or people, or places where you might find help in letting your anger calm down?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
1. The Psalm says the Lord is 'slow to anger, rich in compassion.' What can you learn from the Lord about dealing with anger and how to respond with love when you are inclined to condemn someone?
2. The Psalm deals with the Lords' forgiveness of our transgressions. In what way are you encouraged by the Psalm to be forgiving and compassionate to those who have offended you?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 14, Verses 7-9
1. “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” Do you live for yourself? Do you ever think about the one to whom you owe your existence? If you do, how does that play out in how you live your life?
2. Does God leave you alone in this world? Will you be alone when you die? Is it possible to have a mutual relation with the Lord? If you try to live for the Lord does he live for you also?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 18, Verses 21-35
1. When you say you forgive someone, do you just say the words or do you really forgive the person in your heart? Compare “hugging the wrath and anger tight” from the First Reading with the actions of the servant in this Gospel. Is the servant a fair person? Are you? Do you give good to others since you also receive it as a gift?
2. Do you think God wants you to forgive your neighbor just for your neighbor’s sake, or for yours too? What does forgiveness do to the love that was lost? When did Jesus forgive or when did he talk about forgiveness? How did Jesus “take away the sins of the world”?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 11, 2011 (24A)
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 commandments require restitution?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of Sirach, Chapter 27, Verse 30; Chapter 28, Verses 1-7
1. Is it harder for you to forgive to ask for forgiveness? How good are you at overlooking the faults of others as Sirach suggests? What about this: do you forgive yourself?
2. When you want to “hug wrath and anger tight”(to paraphrase the reading), do you have ways, or people, or places where you might find help in letting your anger calm down?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
1. The Psalm says the Lord is 'slow to anger, rich in compassion.' What can you learn from the Lord about dealing with anger and how to respond with love when you are inclined to condemn someone?
2. The Psalm deals with the Lords' forgiveness of our transgressions. In what way are you encouraged by the Psalm to be forgiving and compassionate to those who have offended you?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 14, Verses 7-9
1. “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” Do you live for yourself? Do you ever think about the one to whom you owe your existence? If you do, how does that play out in how you live your life?
2. Does God leave you alone in this world? Will you be alone when you die? Is it possible to have a mutual relation with the Lord? If you try to live for the Lord does he live for you also?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 18, Verses 21-35
1. When you say you forgive someone, do you just say the words or do you really forgive the person in your heart? Compare “hugging the wrath and anger tight” from the First Reading with the actions of the servant in this Gospel. Is the servant a fair person? Are you? Do you give good to others since you also receive it as a gift?
2. Do you think God wants you to forgive your neighbor just for your neighbor’s sake, or for yours too? What does forgiveness do to the love that was lost? When did Jesus forgive or when did he talk about forgiveness? How did Jesus “take away the sins of the world”?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
