"Hosanna to the Son of David"

It is a special liturgy, this Sunday, known as “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.” If you were tempted to think of it as just another Mass but with a few additions, prepare to drop that assumption. Passion Sunday is a very deep vision of the heart and soul of Christianity.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Apr. 13, 2011 (Palm)
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: What Sacraments were instituted by Jesus on Holy Thursday?"

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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 Isaiah, Chapter 50, Verses 4-7

1. If you speak out in God’s behalf against injustice, according to this reading what can you expect your life to be like? Who, other than Jesus might the speaker be in this reading? Explain.

2. “Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear.” What do you think you hear? Do you stand up for justice even if it involves some discomfort for you? Will you allow God to use you in some small way to remedy someone’s suffering? Explain. Is the presence of God with you when you speak for God?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24

1.  This Sunday's Psalm response are the words spoken by Christ as he was dying on the cross for us, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Do you sometimes feel abandoned by the Lord? Is it He who abandons us, or it the other way around?

2.  In what way does this Psalm remind you of the crucifixion? Do you see a way out of the darkness of these words, and do you believe that the suffering described can be a source of strength in times of distress, knowing that there is a victory ahead?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 2, Verses 6-11

1. Why would God be humble and empty? What good are those qualities? What is the relationship between them and Agape, love that is selfless and free from self-concern and preoccupation?

2. Is your life described in question 1 above or is it characterized sometimes by selfishness? Which kind of life includes conversion, vulnerability and search for justice? Which includes suffering? Which redeems the world? Is there any middle ground between Agape and selfishness?

Gospel
According to Matthew
Chapter 26, Verses 14-75; Chapter 27, Verses 1-66

1. Who stayed and who didn’t stay with Jesus through his passion? Which group would you have been with? How do you react to fear? What do you think helped the people who stayed with Jesus overcome fear?

2. Jesus felt abandoned by the one he loved most. Even though he couldn’t know it, do you think the Father and the Spirit were there with Jesus on the cross? What does his choosing to experience all of humanity’s worst suffering tell us? What does it say to you?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

"I am the resurrection and the life"

The Fifth Sunday of Lent's Gospel story of the raising of Lazarus narrative in John's Gospel (11:1-44) is the climax of the signs of Jesus. The story is situated shortly before Jesus is captured, tried and crucified. It is the event that most directly results in his condemnation by those seeking to kill him.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Apr. 6, 2014 (5LentA)
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
Why do we say the Rosary at Catholic funerals?

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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 Ezekiel, Chapter 37, Verses 12-14

1. God makes two promises to Israel, “I will bring you up from your graves. I will put my spirit within you and you shall live.” On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate these two gifts God promised? Are these promises made to you also?

2. Would your actions change if you really believed you had access to the Holy Spirit at all times? How?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 130: 1-8

1. The Psalmist 'cries out' to the Lord for mercy. Have you also cried out to the Lord for forgiveness because of your sins? What was the outcome of your prayer?

2. The Psalm says that 'with the Lord there is fullness of redemption.' Do you believe that the Lord will save you from the consequences of your sins? What does the Lord ask of you in return?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 8, Verses 8-11

1. Discuss von Balthasar’s idea that if you are guided by the Spirit rather than by the flesh “the germ of divine, eternal life already lives in you with this Spirit and you hold a ‘down-payment,’ as it were, a ticket to God’s life.”

2. St. Paul said, “Those of you who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Do you think he meant, “Those of you who are led by the temptations of the flesh cannot please God”? What is the difference??

Gospel
According to John, Chapter l1, Verses 1-45

1. How does the raising of Lazarus point to Jesus’ words,” I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live”? Compare Jesus’ statement, “Untie him and let him go,” with Moses’ statement to the Pharaoh, “Let my people go.”

2. How would you feel if there were no life after death? But Jesus won the battle over death. What does that mean to you? In all these readings we are encouraged to choose life when faced with “death.” How do you do that in your daily life?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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"I am the light of the world."

Sunday’s Gospel is about the cure of a blind man—and about the blindness of those who think they can see. The story is set on the Sabbath. Jesus makes clay with his own saliva (what an earthy detail!) and sends the blind man to wash in the “Pool of Siloam.” When he comes back Jesus is not there anymore, but the man’s sight is!
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Mar. 30, 2014 (4LentA)
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: Does the Church allow abortion if the mother's life is at risk?

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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
First Book of Samuel, Chapter 16, Verse 1b, 6-7, 10-13a

1. Samuel says about God’s choice of David, “Not as man sees does God see.” Do you make decisions based on appearances alone or do you try to look deeper? Is there any similarity between David and the man born blind in the Gospel?

2. What in this reading tells you that grace comes with the call? When you feel you have been summoned to perform some task for God, do you back down because it is too tough? Would God ever give you what you need to get the job done?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 23: 1-6

1. Our psalmist says that the Lord 'anoints' us with oil. Do you believe you are anointed by the Lord? If so, what is the Lord asking you to do?

2. The Psalm says, 'The Lord is my shepherd....' Do you feel like one of the Lord's sheep? As one of His sheep, do you believe 'there is nothing you shall want?'

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 5, Verses 8-14

1. Define personal and national darkness as it might exist in today’s world. St. Paul says, “you are the light in the Lord.” If you could, what darkness in the world would you dispel? Is there some way you could do this on a small scale, in your present situation?

2. The Church is supposed to take Christ’s light to every dark place. Where you think Christ would be if he came back physically to the world today? Can your parish be in that place?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 9, Verses 1-41

1. The blind man was simply a man on the street. By the end of the Gospel he was thrown out of the synagogue for defending Jesus. What changed him into a disciple? Which are you? Which title fits you best: bystander, believer, confessor, bold challenger or disciple? Why?

2. The man born blind experienced rejection as he became more and more spirit-filled. Do you think people who suffer know Jesus in a more intimate way than other people? Have you experienced this in your own life?

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

"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.

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

The readings this Second Sunday of Lent are all about calling. We hear about the call of Abraham in the First Reading, the call of Jesus in the Gospel extract and in the Second Reading St Paul speaks about the call of each Christian.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Lent, Mar. 16, 2014 (2LentA)
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: Do you believe Jesus is Truly Present at Communion?

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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 Genesis, Chapter 12, Verses 1-4a

1. God asked Abraham to leave his ties to his family, his society and his home. What was Abraham’s response? Compare it with the Passion. Does Abraham’s experience relate to your Lenten experience in any way? How?

2. Read the blessing God pronounces over Abraham. Who is a “blessing” for you? For whom are you a “blessing”?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22

1. The Psalm says 'our soul waits for the Lord.' In what way have you experienced a longing for the Lord, and how have you received Him.

2. The Psalm says we are delivered from death by the grace of God, who is our help and our shield. How have you felt shielded from the evil one by the Lord's grace?

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Chapter 1, Verses 8b-10

1. Do you think you can live the Gospel without bearing some hardships? Think of some people who suffer hardship on a regular basis because of the way they live the Gospel. How could you use them for role models in some way during Lent?

2. Here are three interpretations. Please discuss and decide: (1) God saves us according to our good works. (2) Good works are our response to God’s love. (3) Our good works have no bearing on whether God saves us.

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 17, Verses 1-9

1. Which apostles witnessed the agony in the garden (Mt 26:37)? Are they the same ones that we see witnessing the transfiguration? What is the connection? Would a transfiguration make people better witnesses of the agony? What would it have done for you?

2. Is there a significance to the “cloud?” What is it? Was there another time Jesus had heard a voice saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”? Do you see anything in the world and your own life that makes you think God well pleased?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.  ---

"You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test."

Today's Scripture readings for the first Sunday of Lent immerse us into the depths of this penitential season. The readings and today's Psalm 51 sound overtures of the great themes that we will hear and live over the next six weeks.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Lent, Mar. 9, 2014 (Lent1A)
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 you Confess before you receive Communion?

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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 Genesis, Chapter 2, Verses 7-9; Chapter 3, Verses 1-7

1. Would it be a better world if humans did not have the freedom to choose? Knowing that people would not always resist the temptation to choose evil, why would God ever give the human race free will?

2. After their sin Adam and Eve wanted to cover their bodies. They did not want to be seen as they really were. Is it easy to be honest about faults? If you do become honest about your failings, in the proper circumstances, what is the next step then?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17

1. During this Lenten season, how will your life show sincere repentance? What do we learn from David's example?

2. What concrete steps will you take to resist the temptations the Enemy throws your way? Why not commit to memory (and obedience) some power verses that work for you?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 5, Verses 12-19

1. “To ransom a slave, you gave away your son.” Could God have redeemed us some other way? Why do you think God would go to this extreme to save us?

2. Christ represents all of humanity before God and his obedience outweighs humanity’s sins or disobedience. Explain what this mean to and for you?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 4, Verses1-11

1. Jesus’ temptation was to deny his divine mission. How does it make you feel to think he had to fight temptation the same way you do?

2. What desert images hold Lenten meanings for you? What part did the Spirit play in this gospel story? What part will you let the Spirit play in your Lent this year?

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.
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"But I say to you, love your enemies"

On Sunday, February 23, 2014, we will conclude our reflection on the Sermon on the Mount with Jesus’ exhortation: “Be perfect as your heaven Father is perfect.” As we will see later, perfection has been God’s design and will for man from the beginning.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 23, 2014 (7A)
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: Does the Church permit Organ Donations?

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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 Leviticus, Chapter 19, Verses 1-2, 17-18

1. One way the Lord says to love your neighbor is “You shall not bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart . . . cherish no grudge against any of your people.” Is this an easy thing to do? Have you tried it? Will you try again?

2. If we all “loved our neighbors as ourselves” do you think there would be wars, prisons, hunger and poverty? Discuss.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

1. This week we are asked to love the 'unlovable' in our lives. How does the Psalm inspire us to be able to do this?

2. The Psalm says that the Lord 'crowns' us with kindness and compassion. How does this enable us to imitate the Lord?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 3, Verses 16-23

1. St. Paul says that “the Spirit of God dwells in you.” When do you remember this? When you have important decisions to make? When you are in serious trouble? When good things happen? Not very often? Will this reading cause you to make changes regarding this issue?

2. In the reading what does Paul say makes you holy? What will happen if anyone destroys you? And, is your neighbor holy too? If this is so, how do you treat the people in your life?.

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 38-48

1. How do you feel about turning the other cheek when someone strikes you on the right cheek? Why would Jesus tell us to “Love your enemies?” Did he show us how to love our enemies? What far was he willing to go for them?

2. What do you think praying for those who persecute you might do for you? Would it be easy to do it? What might help?

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