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.
--
Wednesday
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct 30, 2011 (31A)
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
Book of the prophet Malachi, Chapter 1, Verse 14b; Chapter 2, Verses 1-2b, 8-10
1. The priests in this reading neglected their duty and are responsible for the erosion of faith among the people. In general what do you think are some contemporary issues that erode people’s faith? In particular what erodes your faith? What increases your faith?
2. Malachi points out in this reading that the priests were showing partiality and not preaching the Torah with fidelity and good example. What serious responsibilities do privileged positions within a community bring with them?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 131: 1-3
1. The Psalm says, "In you, Lord, I have found my peace." In what way can you relate to this verse? Explain how you have found peace in the Lord, the peace the world cannot give.
2. As our psalmist says, you must still and quiet your soul if you wish to find peace in the Lord. How do you go about becoming like a weaned child in the presence of the Lord?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 2, Verses 7b-9, 13
1. According to this reading explain what makes Paul such an effective minister. In which message are you going to be more interested, one given by someone that cares about you by one who doesn’t know your name?
2. Aelred Rosser says, “He (Paul) has personal integrity and credibility because what he has received as a gift he gives as a gift.” Discuss some characteristics of people you know about whom you can say the same thing.
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 23, Verses 1-12
1. In Luke 22: 26-27, Jesus says, ”But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves.” Jesus instituted an office of service. “Wide belts,” tassels,” places of honor and titles helped the scribes and Pharisees increase their social status but did they help them serve others better? What does help you serve?
2. Could remembering “You have but one Father in heaven,” help you remain humble? How? In this Gospel what is Jesus’ message for religious leaders that is relevant for all times? What is Jesus’ message for you?
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-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct 30, 2011 (31A)
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
Book of the prophet Malachi, Chapter 1, Verse 14b; Chapter 2, Verses 1-2b, 8-10
1. The priests in this reading neglected their duty and are responsible for the erosion of faith among the people. In general what do you think are some contemporary issues that erode people’s faith? In particular what erodes your faith? What increases your faith?
2. Malachi points out in this reading that the priests were showing partiality and not preaching the Torah with fidelity and good example. What serious responsibilities do privileged positions within a community bring with them?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 131: 1-3
1. The Psalm says, "In you, Lord, I have found my peace." In what way can you relate to this verse? Explain how you have found peace in the Lord, the peace the world cannot give.
2. As our psalmist says, you must still and quiet your soul if you wish to find peace in the Lord. How do you go about becoming like a weaned child in the presence of the Lord?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 2, Verses 7b-9, 13
1. According to this reading explain what makes Paul such an effective minister. In which message are you going to be more interested, one given by someone that cares about you by one who doesn’t know your name?
2. Aelred Rosser says, “He (Paul) has personal integrity and credibility because what he has received as a gift he gives as a gift.” Discuss some characteristics of people you know about whom you can say the same thing.
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 23, Verses 1-12
1. In Luke 22: 26-27, Jesus says, ”But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves.” Jesus instituted an office of service. “Wide belts,” tassels,” places of honor and titles helped the scribes and Pharisees increase their social status but did they help them serve others better? What does help you serve?
2. Could remembering “You have but one Father in heaven,” help you remain humble? How? In this Gospel what is Jesus’ message for religious leaders that is relevant for all times? What is Jesus’ message for you?
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.
--
Friday
"Are you envious because I am generous?"
This Sunday's Gospel for Sept. 21, 2014 (25A) may be the most puzzling of the forty parables of Jesus. It is found only in Matthew. Perhaps Mark, Luke, and John were afraid to touch it. This parable is clearly about serving the Master, or working in the kingdom, but the twist here is that many of those who worked in the vineyard did not think that the wages were fairly paid.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 21, 2014 (25A)
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 a Catholic person marry a non-Catholic person?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 55, Verses 6-9
1. “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near.” Is God always near? Can God always be found? Name some times in your day when it is easier to find God than at others. What will help you remember to “seek God” in all the areas of your life?
2. Isaiah is writing about a call to conversion in this reading. How does this apply to you? How long do you withhold mercy when your best friend offends you? On the next level, do you have mercy on the perpetrators of the 9/11 ordeal, or the people committing genocide in the Sudan? Does God ever withhold mercy or pardon? Discuss.
Responsorial Psalm
Responsorial Psalm: 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
1. Our psalmist says he will bless the Lord every day and praise His name forever and ever.
What does it mean to you to 'bless the Lord?' Each day how do you give honor and praise to God?
2. The Psalm says the Lord is 'compassionate' toward all His works. In what way do you imitate the Lord by showing compassion toward your family and the members of your community,
and to strangers in your midst?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 1, Verses 20c-24, 27a
1. Who “magnifies” the Lord for you? Is it true that every time you are around these people you feel as though Christ is somehow present? Why is that? What is it about them you would like to emulate?
2. What did Paul mean when he said, “For to me life is Christ and death is gain”? What do you think comprised “fruitful labor” for Paul since he had to stay in the “flesh”? What is your “fruitful labor”?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 20, Verses 1-16a
1. How would grace be handed out if people made the rules? How would you feel about God’s ways if they were like our ways, if God’s bountiful generosity did not exceed the level of simple distributive justice?
2. This Gospel reading must be about outrageous generosity, if it is not about strict justice. What is the message for you in your everyday life?
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.
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.
--
"Whoever has ears ought to hear."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 10, 2011 (15A)
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 it Better to Pray or To Study the Faith?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Is 55:10-11
1. Isaiah says that the rain and snow come down giving seed to those who sow and bread to those who eat. There is much to unpack in such a statement. What about the sacredness of creation? What about the action of God’s Word, which God says is like the rain and snow? And how does all this affect you?
2. Rain makes the seed germinate and grow. Apply this to God’s grace. Now apply it to God’s grace in your life.
Responsorial Psalm
65:10, 11, 12-13, 14
1. The Psalm says that 'the fields' and the 'valleys' shout and sing for joy. Do you also feel like shouting for joy after you have been showered with God's living water? Explain.
2. Even the seed that falls on good ground will require watering in order to yield a fruitful harvest. Where does the water come from that enriches our faith and inspires us
to be God's witnesses?
Second Reading
Rom 8:18-23
1. “All creation is groaning in labor pains.” Birth pains are inevitable, but why? Suffering is not necessarily a good thing, but what can make it good?
2. How can you help redeem the world? Do you jump at the chance to labor? Do you readily offer your suffering? How do you handle pain you can’t avoid?
Gospel
Mt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9
1. Jesus mentions “cares of the world and lure of wealth” as rocky ground and thorns that keep the seed from taking root. What is your “rocky ground”? Are you a busy pathway where the Word is sown but then is trampled? And can the thorns of worldly anxiety choke the Word when it comes to you?
2. How can you move toward being rich soil? Can you still have rich soil in spite of many obstacles? Name some people you know or some saints who still produced a hundredfold in spite of obstacles.
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.
--
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 10, 2011 (15A)
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 it Better to Pray or To Study the Faith?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Is 55:10-11
1. Isaiah says that the rain and snow come down giving seed to those who sow and bread to those who eat. There is much to unpack in such a statement. What about the sacredness of creation? What about the action of God’s Word, which God says is like the rain and snow? And how does all this affect you?
2. Rain makes the seed germinate and grow. Apply this to God’s grace. Now apply it to God’s grace in your life.
Responsorial Psalm
65:10, 11, 12-13, 14
1. The Psalm says that 'the fields' and the 'valleys' shout and sing for joy. Do you also feel like shouting for joy after you have been showered with God's living water? Explain.
2. Even the seed that falls on good ground will require watering in order to yield a fruitful harvest. Where does the water come from that enriches our faith and inspires us
to be God's witnesses?
Second Reading
Rom 8:18-23
1. “All creation is groaning in labor pains.” Birth pains are inevitable, but why? Suffering is not necessarily a good thing, but what can make it good?
2. How can you help redeem the world? Do you jump at the chance to labor? Do you readily offer your suffering? How do you handle pain you can’t avoid?
Gospel
Mt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9
1. Jesus mentions “cares of the world and lure of wealth” as rocky ground and thorns that keep the seed from taking root. What is your “rocky ground”? Are you a busy pathway where the Word is sown but then is trampled? And can the thorns of worldly anxiety choke the Word when it comes to you?
2. How can you move toward being rich soil? Can you still have rich soil in spite of many obstacles? Name some people you know or some saints who still produced a hundredfold in spite of obstacles.
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.
--
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Ascension Sunday, June 5, 2011 (7EasterA)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Ascension Sunday Readings
Sunday Mass Readings, 7th Sunday of Easter
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why don't Catholics evangelize door to door?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Ascension: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1, Verses 1-11
7th Sunday: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1, Verses 12-14
1. (Ascension:) Were the two men in white garments angels or just men? They interpreted the ascension to the disciples: do you think they really understood what was going on? Do you? On whom did the disciples depend for understanding? On whom do we?
2. (7th Sunday:) Did you receive the Holy Spirit once for all time at Confirmation? Or is the Spirit dynamic and new all the time? Discuss.
Responsorial Psalm
Ascension: Psalm 47:2-3. 6-7, 8-9
7th Sunday: Psalm 27:1,4,7-8
1. (Ascension:) This Psalm is traditionally applied to the ascension of our Lord. Do you think the verses are appropriate for our Lord's ascension, even though they were written in pre-Christian times? Explain.
2. (Ascension:) The Psalm says, 'God mounts His throne to shouts of joy.' If God is so far above us, how do we maintain a relationship with Him? How is it possible that He is still among us?
Second Reading
Ascension: St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 1, Verses 17-23
7th Sunday: First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 4, Verses 13-16
1. (Ascension:) If you had your choice would you avoid all suffering? The Holy Spirit is sometimes called the Comforter. Does the Spirit comfort you when you suffer? Do you let in comfort?
2. (7th Sunday:) God gave Christ “the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.” What is this fullness? What kind of fullness would you like to have in your life?
Gospel
Ascension: According to Matthew, Chapter 28, Verses 16-20
7th Sunday: According to John, Chapter 17, Verses 1-11
1. (Ascension:) “Behold, I am with you always. until the end of the age.” Jesus said this after telling the eleven to make disciples of all nations. What do these words mean to you? Do you ever think of them when you are in trouble?
2. (7th Sunday:) The Father entrusted the good news of salvation to Jesus and he in turn entrusted it to his disciples. What are the implications for you?
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.
--
Ascension Sunday, June 5, 2011 (7EasterA)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Ascension Sunday Readings
Sunday Mass Readings, 7th Sunday of Easter
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why don't Catholics evangelize door to door?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Ascension: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1, Verses 1-11
7th Sunday: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1, Verses 12-14
1. (Ascension:) Were the two men in white garments angels or just men? They interpreted the ascension to the disciples: do you think they really understood what was going on? Do you? On whom did the disciples depend for understanding? On whom do we?
2. (7th Sunday:) Did you receive the Holy Spirit once for all time at Confirmation? Or is the Spirit dynamic and new all the time? Discuss.
Responsorial Psalm
Ascension: Psalm 47:2-3. 6-7, 8-9
7th Sunday: Psalm 27:1,4,7-8
1. (Ascension:) This Psalm is traditionally applied to the ascension of our Lord. Do you think the verses are appropriate for our Lord's ascension, even though they were written in pre-Christian times? Explain.
2. (Ascension:) The Psalm says, 'God mounts His throne to shouts of joy.' If God is so far above us, how do we maintain a relationship with Him? How is it possible that He is still among us?
Second Reading
Ascension: St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 1, Verses 17-23
7th Sunday: First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 4, Verses 13-16
1. (Ascension:) If you had your choice would you avoid all suffering? The Holy Spirit is sometimes called the Comforter. Does the Spirit comfort you when you suffer? Do you let in comfort?
2. (7th Sunday:) God gave Christ “the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.” What is this fullness? What kind of fullness would you like to have in your life?
Gospel
Ascension: According to Matthew, Chapter 28, Verses 16-20
7th Sunday: According to John, Chapter 17, Verses 1-11
1. (Ascension:) “Behold, I am with you always. until the end of the age.” Jesus said this after telling the eleven to make disciples of all nations. What do these words mean to you? Do you ever think of them when you are in trouble?
2. (7th Sunday:) The Father entrusted the good news of salvation to Jesus and he in turn entrusted it to his disciples. What are the implications for you?
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.
--
"I am the gate.Whoever enters through me will be saved."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2011 (4EasterA)
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: Should Christians perform the sign of the cross?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 14a, 36-41
1. The people listening to Peter’s sermon were “cut to the heart” with remorse. What cuts you to the heart? The listeners asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” What action did they take? With what kinds of actions do you respond?
2. Define conversion. Is conversion a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Explain. Who needs conversion? Does conversion involve only a change of behaviors?
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 23: 1-6
1. If you are one of his sheep, your shepherd will guide you beside restful waters, according to the Psalm. Do you think the analogy of sheep and shepherd is a good one to apply to the relationship your have with the Lord? Why?
2. It is said that David wrote this Psalm on his deathbed. Do you believe the Psalm would be a source of peace for a person facing death? If so, why?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 2, Verses 20b-25
1.Christ’s innocence and lack of vengeance show us what God’s love is like. Does he leave you an example to follow? How can suffering be an occasion of grace?
2. Peter is referring to a kind of suffering that is inflicted on a person for doing something good. Give examples in which this has been the case. Have you had this experience?
Gospel
According to John, Chapter 10, Verses 1-10
1. Flocks would recognize the sound of the shepherd’s voice and come to him, ignoring other shepherds’ voices. In your life can you discern which “voice” belongs to the Good Shepherd? Which of the following is your favorite comparison of Christ to a good shepherd: calling by name, recognition of voice, following the shepherd, not following strangers, shepherd as the gate?
2. The shepherd gathers his sheep into a secure place with one opening and no door. He protects the sheep by lying across the gateway. Is Christ, the Good Shepherd, like this? Can you feel the security of being guarded in this way?
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.
Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2011 (4EasterA)
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: Should Christians perform the sign of the cross?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 14a, 36-41
1. The people listening to Peter’s sermon were “cut to the heart” with remorse. What cuts you to the heart? The listeners asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” What action did they take? With what kinds of actions do you respond?
2. Define conversion. Is conversion a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Explain. Who needs conversion? Does conversion involve only a change of behaviors?
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 23: 1-6
1. If you are one of his sheep, your shepherd will guide you beside restful waters, according to the Psalm. Do you think the analogy of sheep and shepherd is a good one to apply to the relationship your have with the Lord? Why?
2. It is said that David wrote this Psalm on his deathbed. Do you believe the Psalm would be a source of peace for a person facing death? If so, why?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 2, Verses 20b-25
1.Christ’s innocence and lack of vengeance show us what God’s love is like. Does he leave you an example to follow? How can suffering be an occasion of grace?
2. Peter is referring to a kind of suffering that is inflicted on a person for doing something good. Give examples in which this has been the case. Have you had this experience?
Gospel
According to John, Chapter 10, Verses 1-10
1. Flocks would recognize the sound of the shepherd’s voice and come to him, ignoring other shepherds’ voices. In your life can you discern which “voice” belongs to the Good Shepherd? Which of the following is your favorite comparison of Christ to a good shepherd: calling by name, recognition of voice, following the shepherd, not following strangers, shepherd as the gate?
2. The shepherd gathers his sheep into a secure place with one opening and no door. He protects the sheep by lying across the gateway. Is Christ, the Good Shepherd, like this? Can you feel the security of being guarded in this way?
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)
