"What is this? A new teaching with authority."

In this Sunday's Readings for February 1, 2015, the Gospel finds Jesus going to the synagogue in Capernaum with four of his disciples where people are astonished that He teaches with such authority. And then he casts out a demon from a possessed person. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 1, 2015 (4B)
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: Believe in God or to believe in the 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
Deuteronomy, Chapter 18, Verses 15-20

1. Does God raise ordinary people from our midst to become prophets? Think of some people you would call prophets. Do they do things differently? Is there a cause for which you might become a prophet?

2. Has God ever put “words into your mouth” to help others? Discuss. When God sends a message through a prophet, he can sometimes put “words into the prophet’s mouth.” How much do people understand? Does God help them “hear with their ears?”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 7-9

1. Our Psalm tells us not to harden our hearts if we should hear the Lord's voice. What causes you to harden your heart in the presence of the Lord? What can you do to become a better listener when you hear His voice, and how do the verses of the Psalm help you in that regard?

2. Our psalmist says, 'We are the people he shepherds.' What does it mean to you to be one of God's sheep?

Second Reading
1 Corinthians, Chapter 7, Verses 32-35
1. Do you think you are the only one, or could everyone living today have anxieties of some kind?

2. What virtue do you think might help most in your attempts to control anxieties? What are the anxieties you feel most? Do you have a way to deal with them? What might help you to adhere “to the Lord without distraction”?

Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 21-28

1. What incident showed the people that Jesus “taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes”? Would you like confirmation that Jesus or the Church have authority and love? If you can’t have absolute confirmation will trust work for you? Explain.

2. What is astonishing and spellbinding about Jesus’ teaching (“Love God above all else and your neighbor as yourself”)? How is this message different from what the people of Galilee had been hearing from the scribes? What do you find spellbinding about Jesus?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please reflect on the 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.”

When Jesus presents himself for baptism in the Sunday Gospel for Jan. 11, 2015, John the Baptist protests that he is not worthy to perform this ritual for one greater than himself. But Jesus insists and John relents. This insistence of Jesus seems to be based upon his desire to join all those in Israel, who are not just renouncing their sinfulness (which Jesus would not need to do), but are also declaring their readiness to receive the Lord in whatever manner he may wish to come. After all, the baptism of Jesus is not just an episode in his private life; it is the invitation of a whole people to accept God’s initiative for salvation.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 12, 2014 (BaptismA)
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: Why do Catholics baptize their infants?

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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 42, verses 1-4, 6-7

1. The main objective of the Chosen One is to bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. How does Isaiah say he will accomplish this mighty enlightening of the world? How does the Church help to accomplish it today?

2. If enlightening the world isn’t in the cards for you, is there one dark corner you can brighten somehow?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 29: 1-4, 9-10

1. The Psalm speaks of the power of the voice of the Lord. How do we hear the voice of God in our lives? What is the Lord saying to us?

2. The Psalm says we are to give glory and praise to the Lord. How do we do this in our daily lives? What inspires us to want to sing praise to our Lord?

Second Reading
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10, Verses 34-38

1. The Psalm asks us, as sons of God, to give to the Lord glory and praise. Tell of what you are doing to serve the Lord and adore Him within your family and your community.

2. Our psalmist speaks of a powerful, majestic God, who speaks with a mighty, thundering voice. How is God's majesty at work in you, and how have you been empowered to be a good witness for the Lord?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 3, Verses 13-17

1. Compare the visitation of the Magi with the baptism of Jesus. Are they both epiphanies?

2. Was the Trinity present at the baptism of Jesus? Do you think the Father and Holy Spirit were with Jesus throughout his entire earthly life even when he was on the cross? How does that thought make you feel about God the Father and the Holy Spirit? Do you think they are with you even when you feel as though they are absolutely not?

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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"They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord."

Here are Discussion Questions for this Sunday's Readings, Dec. 28, 2014, where the story of the presentation of the child Jesus at the temple in accordance with Jewish tradition is described in detail.
Discussion Questions for Sunday's Readings

SUNDAY READINGS

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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
Sirach, Chapter 3, Verses 2-6, 12-14 or
Genesis, Chapter 15, Verses:1-6 and Chapter 21, Verses 1-3

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

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

Second Reading
Colossians, Chapter 3, Verses 12-21 or
Hebrews, Chapter 11, Verses 8, 11-12, 17-19

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 would the world be like if everyone really loved each other? What kinds of things would disappear off the face of the earth?

2. St. Paul gives some ideas about how we can love each other and live in harmony in Colossians . . . compassion, kindness, humility, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving each other. . . . Is this easy? How are you doing with it in your life?

Gospel
Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 22-40

1. “–and you yourself a sword will pierce – so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” What does Simeon’s statement to Mary mean to you?

2. “They returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;” Was Jesus somewhat a product of his environment? What do you think life in Nazareth was like?

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By Anne Osdieck of the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
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"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

Sunday’s Scripture texts for Dec. 21, 2014 (4AdvB) describe God’s promise to David and its fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David. From the First Reading, David expresses his sincere desire to build a temple for God but it is actually God who will build his own house and establish a great family of descendents: the House of David.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 21, 2014 (4AdvB)
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: Was the Blessed Virgin Mary a Virgin Forever?

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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
Second book of Samuel, Chapter 7, Verses 1-5, 8b-12, 14a,16

1. Define “house” first as David uses it in this reading. Could the word “family” be substituted for “house” as the Lord uses it in response to David? Where might God dwell besides in a tent or building? Where does the real Church reside?

2. Compare and contrast what David wants to give God with what God did for David? Can you relate to “receiving much more than you give”? What happens to you when you open up just a little to God? God’s gift which brought David’s house to perfection was David’s Heir. Who was that?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

1. Our Psalm response is, 'Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.' One reason to sing of the Lord's goodness is because His promises are trustworthy. Describe how you have relied on the promises of the Lord in your journey.

2. David is to call out to the Lord, 'You are my father, my God, the Rock, my savior.' We too are inspired to cry out to God in a similar way. Tell of the times when you have felt like crying out to God in worship and praise.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 16, Verses 25-27

1. What was the “mystery kept secret for long ages”? Do you think the “mystery” was really a secret or possibly was it not understood till Jesus became man? What does the Incarnation reveal to you about God?

2. If all people believed that the message of God’s saving plan is for “all nations” what would happen to conflict between nations, selfishness that creates poverty and starvation and the disparity of wealth? Is there anything you can do to brighten up some of this darkness?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 1, Verses 26-38

1. Can you relate to Mary’s unconditional “yes” to God, or is your yes conditional? If you do say yes, will God come take up residence in your life?

2. What could God do for the wounded in the world through your hands if he were invited to take up residence in the deepest part of your soul?

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

"Make straight the way of the Lord"

This Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, the third Sunday of Advent, is often called "Gaudate" which means, "rejoice". We count it as the mid-point of this season of anticipation. You will notice that the candle we light this Sunday is pink not purple and the priest's stole and other parts of our altar environment are rose suggesting a more rejoicing attitude.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 14, 2014 (3AdvB)
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: Do Catholics "worship" Mary as we do Jesus?

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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 61, Verses 1-2a, 10-11

1. The Lord sent Isaiah to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, give liberty to captives and release to prisoners. Do you participate in the sorrows of the world in any way? Are these lines glad tidings for you? On the other hand, do you help with the healing and liberation of prisoners?

2. “As the earth brings forth its plants . . . as a garden makes its growth spring up. . .” Can you trust this God who keeps the earth fruitful year after year, to keep his promises? What gift mentioned in the first and second readings did God plant deep within our hearts to transform us from the inside?

Responsorial Psalm
Luke 1: 46-50, 53-54

1. Our Blessed Mother says, "the Almighty has done great things for me." In what way do you also believe that God has done great things for you, and how have you responded?

2. Mary declares that God has filled the 'hungry' with good things. Do you consider yourself one of the hungry ones? And if so, in what way has the Lord fed you with good things?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 5, Verses 18-24

1. How can you actively ensure that the Spirit has opportunities to work in you? How would “test everything and pray without ceasing” work toward that end? How can anyone “rejoice always” when they are suffering? Do you know people who seem to do that?

2. What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit working in the depths of your spirit and God’s peace that is applied to your body, soul and spirit?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 1, Verses 6-8, 19-28

1. In the first reading Isaiah was sent with a message from God. In the Gospel God sends John to testify to the light of Christ. Does God send you? How could you testify to the light in some way?

2. What are the “crooked roads and deserts” that bother you most? What would happen if you were the “voice” trying to straighten things out? Who would help you do this?

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

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."

Where do we look for hope? Has God abandoned us or is God bidding us to look beyond what presently imprisons us in darkness? Sunday's Gospel for Dec. 7, 2014 tells us that John the Baptist faced very similar conditions during his day. And at the very outset, Mark declares his gospel to be the "good news."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 7, 2014 (2AdvB)
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 is the Old Testament Root of Baptism?

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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 40, Verses 1-5, 9-11

1. Left to human management world history is a wasteland or at best a rough road. What in this reading makes the rough spots in life smoother? Is your road smooth all the time? Rough? Does God walk with you when you are in “rugged country”? How do you know that?

2. “For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” What “Word” has God spoken to us? Could the Word be the “shepherd gathering lambs in his arms? Do you think God has always been walking on the roads of world history, even before he spoke his Word?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14

1. Our psalmist says, "I will hear what God proclaims." For us, this verse can be seen as a reminder to study the Word of the Lord. Explain how your study of the Word is strengthening your faith.

2. The Psalm says that, "Truth shall spring out of the earth." This verse may foretell the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. What else about the Psalm prepares us for the birth of our Savior?
Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 3, Verses 8-14

1. What does the statement from this reading “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.” mean to you?

2. What is your relationship with earth? Do you take the earth for granted, or do you treat it with reverence? Give an example of treating earth with reverence.

Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 1-8

1. How do you share John the Baptist’s mission to proclaim Christ’s coming in the world? Do you do this with words or by the way you live? How is John’s message of repentance and judgment different from Jesus’?

2. Are there “noises” that block out John the Baptist’s cry, “Prepare the way of the Lord” for you? What are they? What can you do during Advent to block the “noises”?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please reflect on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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"Be watchful! Be alert!"

The Gospel passage for Sunday, November 30, 2014, proclaims the essential truth that will be celebrated in all its dimensions throughout the year -- namely, the "advent" truth that God has come in the person of Jesus Christ, and that the same Lord, now invisibly present through the Spirit, will come again in power and glory.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30, 2014 (1AdvB)
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: Did John the Baptist go straight to heaven when he died?

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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 63, Verses 16-17, 19; Chapter 64, Verses 2-7

1. Picture a potter working with clay? Describe it. Even though we wander away from the Lord, God is our father and handles us as a potter handles the clay. Explain this metaphor.

2. “. . . that we were mindful of you in our ways!” Is there a veil that keeps you from seeing God’s presence at work in your life and in your world? How can you use Advent to lift that veil, to get more in touch with God in and around you?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

1. The Psalm says, 'Lord, make us turn to you ....' Have you noticed at times when we stray off His path how the Lord tugs at each of us so that we return to His ways.  Give an example from your own experience.

2. Our psalmist is writing about the scattered people of Israel, but his words may apply to each of us in our separation from God. In what way are you inspired by the Psalm's verses to repent
and seek renewal?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 3-9

1. What gift does Paul say you have been given in order to do God’s work now, as you wait for Christ’s coming at the end of your life? The concern here is to make sure you are ready for life with God after death. Is there life with God before your death? Explain.

2. St. Paul says “that in him you were enriched in every way.” In what ways has God enriched you personally? To say Paul’s words in another way, his gift to us is the richness of everything in him. What richness in Christ is he passing on to you?

Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 13, Verses 33-37

1. As vigilant gatekeepers watching for the Lord of the house, what signs do you see that tell you God is present in the world and in your life?

2. As gatekeepers we are responsible for the preservation of the gift of the earth. What is the Church’s responsibility in the maintenance of the earth’s life? What is your responsibility in this?

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