In the Sunday Gospel according to St. Matthew we encounter Christ in conversation with a lawyer who has asked him a question, not in order to learn, but in a malicious plot to destroy Christ. Out of this evil intent Christ brings forth the beautiful gift of the "greatest commandment"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct 26, 2014 (30A)
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?
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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 22, Verses 20-26
1. God’s love brought the Israelites out of Egypt where they had been aliens. According to this reading, how were they to repay God’s love? How do you repay God’s love for you? How does this First Reading relate to the Gospel reading?
2. Widows, oppressed, the poor, orphans, aliens are all precious to God. Is there anything you could do to make the life of one person in one of these groups better? Discuss.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 18: 2-4, 47, 51
1. Our psalmist says he is shielded by the Lord, his 'rock of refuge.' In what ways have you been shielded by the Lord and made safe from your spiritual enemies?
2. The Psalm says 'The Lord lives! Explain how you interpret this verse and how the Lord is present to you in your life.
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 1, Verses 5c-10
1. The Thessalonians heard the word of the Lord and became a model community for all believers. They passed the love of God on to their neighbors. Who would you envision as a “model” in your parish, or your workplace today?
2. Every place the Thessalonians went, the “word of the Lord sounded forth.” How can you yourself “sound forth” (without preaching)?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 22, Verses 15-21
1. You were made in God’s image and likeness, and every good thing you have comes from God. What does God ask in return? Whatever our answer, is it always easy? Discuss whether “love your neighbor” includes your arrogant neighbor or just your kind neighbor.
2. Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” John Shea explained Jesus’ answer as follows: “He (Jesus) articulates the underlying structure of love that all law and prophecy is built on. Living in relationships of love to God and neighbor is the essence.” Discuss.
Online 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.
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In this Psalm we hear David, crying out to the Lord,
ReplyDeleteas one cries out to his savior.
“My God, my rock of refuge, my shield,
my saving horn, my stronghold.”
David has just emerged after being saved by God
from his enemies and the clutches of King Saul.
David has been rescued
by that same God of compassion and mercy
that spoke to Moses in our 1st reading (Exodus).
David says, “You have shown kindness to your anointed.”
God promises to hear us when we cry out to Him
as our psalmist does in this week’s Psalm.
David praises his savior in language
that is familiar to us as his spiritual descendents:
“The lord lives! Blessed be my rock!
Exalted be God my savior!”
For David has been delivered
from the forces of evil that surrounded him.
This same deliverance is available
to the Thessalonians (2nd reading)
who have turned away from idols
to await Jesus, who also “delivers” us,
and enables us to gain salvation.
This week’s Gospel reminds us
of the greatest and first commandment,
and our psalmist speaks with power as he says,
“ I love you, Lord, my strength, Lord, my rock, my fortress …
Praised be the Lord!”
Amen