In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus walks on water and asks Peter to do the same. We are assured that the Lord Jesus keeps vigilant watch over each one of us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty. When troubles and danger threaten to overwhelm you, how do you respond? With expectant faith and hope in the Lord's abiding presence, love and care for you?
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 10, 2014 (19A)
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 be a lukewarm Catholic or an on-fire Protestant?
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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 Kings, Chapter 3, Verses 5, 7-129
1. Isaiah was writing for a poor community.What images and ideas in this reading would be of particular interest to them? What does God tell us to do in this reading to share in the abundant banquet of rich fare?
2. What is the food that can satisfy your soul’s deepest hunger?
Responsorial Psalm
Responsorial Psalm: 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
1. Our psalmist commits himself to hearing God's voice. Are you tuned in to the voice of the Lord? How does He speak to you in your daily walk?
2. Our Psalm says that the Lord's salvation is near to those who fear Him, that the Lord is 'glory dwelling in our land.' Do you feel His presence among us, and do you believe your salvation is within reach? Explain.
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 9, Verses 1-5
1. Paul is in “great sorrow and constant anguish” because some of his own people, the Israelites, have not accepted the fact that the Messiah has come. Is this because he wishes the best for them and would even sacrifice himself to help them?
2. How can Paul say, “I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh”? Is it really moral to give away not just you life but your eternal salvation for the sake of others? Or is Paul exaggerating for the sake of emphasis?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 14, Verses 22-33
1. Peter was walking toward Jesus and doing fine. What caused him to suddenly to sink? What causes you to cancel your “leap of faith?” What do you think would have helped Peter stay afloat? What might help you?
2. After Jesus got into the boat the wind died down. Do you think he can calm your fears the way he calmed the sea?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
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“I will hear what God proclaims …
ReplyDeleteglory dwelling in our land.”
Our psalmist knows the importance of
listening carefully for the voice of the Lord.
For, as Elijah discovered in our 1st reading,
God was not in the wind, nor the earthquake,
nor the fire. Rather, God appeared to Elijah
as a tiny whispering sound.
We too must listen attentively for the voice
of the Lord and be careful not to miss his
presence among us.
How do we seek Him out?
Where do we find the Lord?
We find Him when we read and study
his Word, his living Word,
as fresh now as it was thousands
of years ago. For His Word is
as penetrating as a two edged sword,
able to separate bone from marrow.
His Word convicts us,
pointing the way to salvation.
As our psalmist says,
“Near indeed is His salvation
for those who fear Him.”
Like John the Baptist,
our psalmist prepares the way of the Lord --
“Truth will spring from the earth”
(when the Messiah is born).
The goodness and blessings
that the psalmist speaks about
are fulfilled in Christ.
For our Savior is truly
“glory dwelling in our land.”
Amen