"You cannot serve God and mammon."

The Gospel set before us this Sunday continues Christ's teaching as given in the Sermon on the Mount. The extract today is all about Divine Providence. In our modern consumerist society it is a teaching that is frequently neglected, even by devout Christians.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mar. 2, 2014 (8A)
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 we adore "Bling?" more than God?

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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 the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 49, Verses 14-15

1. “The Lord has forsaken me.” When did Jesus say this? Why do you think he endured it? Can you relate to this misery? Is abandonment a feeling or a fact?

2. The second half of the reading is God’s response: comfort to the forsaken. How do you feel when God compares himself with a nursing mother? What do the two halves of this reading say to you when you put them together?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 62: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9

1. Why do you think the psalm stresses repeatedly the words 'alone' and 'only?' Is there any other alternative for us as a place to rest or a stronghold in our lives?

2. What do you think is meant by the verse, "I shall not be disturbed at all?" What is it that disturbs us in our lives and how do we deal with it?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 4, Verses 1-5

1. How do the motives of our hearts relate to being good stewards of the gospel? What do you think the motives of our hearts should be?

2. Compare “then everyone will receive praise from God,” from this reading with “but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given you besides,” from the Gospel.

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 6, Verses 24-34

1. Do you think the concern in this Gospel reading is about possessions or about inordinate attachment to them? What might you “seek” if you were not worrying about material things all the time?

2. Fr. John Shea suggests that this Gospel offers two scenarios: “(1) understand and inhabit your life as an anxious project for future physical survival or (2 ) understand and inhabit your life as a present gift sustained by God prior to any human activity to secure it.” What happens to the concerns of (1) if you choose (2)?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your thjoughts 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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"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
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“You are the salt of the earth."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 6, 2011 (5A)
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 commandments require restitution?

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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 the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 58, Verses 7-10

1. What does binding the wounds of others have to do with your own wounds? Who benefits when people share their bread or shelter the homeless? Explain

2. What makes “your light break forth like the dawn?” In this reading does God say what will let this happen? Is it a new idea for you that there is a connection between your sorrow and those of another?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

1. The Psalm talks about the 'just' person. How do we become 'just' in the eyes of the Lord?

2. The Psalm speaks about a gracious lender, one who conducts his affairs with justice, one who lavishly gives to the poor. According to the Psalm, what inspires us to have a generous heart?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 2, Verses 1-5

1. In human terms is there any way the crucifixion can triumph over sin and death? What allows us to see beyond appearances? Why did Paul want our faith to rest on the power of God instead of elaborate arguments?

2. Was Paul salt and light? How?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 13-16

1. Do salt, light, and a city set on a mountain have anything in common? Do they exist for themselves? What is Jesus saying to us with these metaphors? Could they relate to social justice? Explain

2. What determines the degree of saltiness or brightness? How would a person improve the quality or become more a person for others?

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.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 30, 2011 (4A)
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: Would you applaud after the homily?

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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 the Prophet Zephaniah,
Chapter 2, Verse 3; Chapter 3, Verses 12-13

1. “Faithful remnant” means those who remain faithful in spite of great difficulties, bad example and poor leadership. How do people remain faithful with such obstacles? What helps you?

2. Discuss some of the places/things in which the rich might place their trust. Do you ever hope in such things? Which do you think engenders more trust, wealth or poverty? Explain.

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 146: 6-10

1. This week's Response is taken from Matthew 5:3 (the Beatitudes). How does the Psalm speak to what Jesus told his disciples that day as he taught them on the mountain?

2 . The Psalm talks about the 'oppressed', the 'hungry', the 'captives', the 'blind', those 'bowed down.' Where do you find yourself among these? Can you identify with any of these?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 26-31

1. The weak, the foolish and the lowly confound the strong, the wise and the strong. What does this mean to you? Can you give examples?

2. Is weakness a top priority for your country, or strength? For your work? For your social life?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 1-12a

1. Moses received the ten commandments on a mountain. Jesus gave the sermon on a mount. Compare and contrast

2. Does Jesus define his own life by the beatitudes? Do you think this is a lesson or an invitation? Why?

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.

"Behold, the Lamb of God"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 16, 2011 (2A)
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 bible verse anchors your personal spiritual life?

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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 the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 49, Verses 3, 5-6

1. What in this servant song will Jesus proclaim throughout his ministry?

2. What are some ways that we as Church can be a light to the emerging global family? What is one way you can be a light to your own family and extended family?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-10

1. The Psalm says the Lord put a 'new song' into our mouths. What does this mean for each of us?

2. Our psalmist, David, says, 'To do your will is my delight.' How do we know what God's will is telling us to do?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses1-3

1. We are called to be holy. What does “holy” mean to you? How is John the Baptist a model of holiness?

2. In Luke’s report of Jesus’ baptism we hear about treatment of the poor. What does outrage at our neighbors’ poverty have to do with holiness?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 1, Verses 29-34

1. What is important in this reading, the baptism of Jesus or the testimony of John that God’s plan to save the world would be worked out through Jesus?

2. Why was John so certain about Jesus when he said, “Behold the Lamb of God”? Was John watching for the Spirit? Do you watch for the Spirit in your life? Can you find and trust this Spirit of God?

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.

"Out of Egypt I called my son"

This Sunday, in a sort of extension of our Christmas celebration we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The Church gives us the image of the Holy Family as the first great fruit of the Incarnation. Jesus, the newly born Son of God, assumes a human family with Joseph and Mary. From the very beginning, the Holy Family was faced with dangers. Matthew narrates to us the first threats on the life of the Infant Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15,19-23). In all of these threats, God intervenes in their favor. Such was their amazing experience, lived in total abandonment and utmost faith.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Dec. 29, 2013 (HolyFamilyA)
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 Catholics be offended by the term "Xmas?"

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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 3, Verses 2-6, 12-14

1. Why is the honoring of parents inseparable from gratitude towards God? Explain.

2. Why do you think Sirach says that good things happen to you when you honor your parents (prayers heard, sins atoned, long life made happy by children)?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

1. The Psalm Response asks us, "Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory." How do you prepare yourself during Advent so that the king of glory can enter your heart?

2. Our psalmist speaks of a people that seeks the Lord, that seeks the face of God. Describe what you are doing to seek out the Lord in your family and in your community.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 3, Verses 12-21

1. “Over all these put on love.” What is the only thing God asks of us? What happens to people when they are loved? What kinds of things would disappear off the face of the earth because they wouldn’t be necessary if everyone loved his/her neighbor?

2. In his letter to the Colossians St. Paul gives some ideas about how we can love each other and live in harmony. Have compassion, kindness, humility, patience, bear with one another, and forgive each other. Is this easy? How are we doing with Paul’s assignment as Church? How are you doing with it in your life?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 2, Verses 13 –15, 19-23

1. Does Joseph have second thoughts about leaving his job, dwelling or possessions when the angel tells him to take the child Mary and flee to Egypt? What was the only thing that was important to him?

2. Through Christ we are all united to God the Father and this makes us one family. Would you be willing to act for your family as Joseph did? How far will you step out of your comfort zone for people other than your immediate family? Name some ways you can insure the safety or well being of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
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"They can no longer die, for they are like angels"

This Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 (32C), Jesus Christ not only reaffirms His teaching on the resurrection of the dead, but He deepens our understanding of the marriage vocation as well.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 10, 2013 (32C)
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
Burning Question: What is "Real Presence of Christ" Catholics talk about?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
-------------------------------------------- First Reading
Second Book of Maccabees, Chapter 7, Verses 1-2, 9-14

1. What are some other burdensome earthly trials besides martyrdom that people might be able to endure because of the hope of the resurrection? What suffering does this hope allow you to endure?

2. Why might you call people like Archbishop Romero and all the martyrs in El Salvador who died to bring social justice to their country, resurrection people?

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15

1. Our psalmist says that his steps have kept to the Lord's paths, his feet have not faltered. Explain how you have 'walked the walk' in the pathways of the Lord.

2. The Psalm speaks of how we shall be content in God's presence. Tell of what it means to you to look forward to the day when you shall behold God's face.

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians,
Chapter 2, Verses 16-17; Chapter 3, Verses 1-5

1. Does Paul pray that his and his friends’ ministry speed forward or that the Word of the Lord speed forward through their efforts? Discuss. What is the difference?

2. Are you and your ministry saving the world or are you part of God’s plan to save the world? How might God be saving the world through your ministry?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 20, Verses 17-38

1. What means most to you in your life right now? What from this life do you want to take with you to the next?

2. Does this gospel help you when you consider your death and the death of the ones you love? How?

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