"He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God , Jan. 1, 2012 (NewYearB)
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: Is it a sin to wear a rosary as a piece of jewelry?

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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 Numbers, Chapter 6, Verses 22-27

1. “The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.” The word peace is a translation of the word shalom, which more literally means, “every good thing in good measure.” These are God’s own words in this blessing. What does this tell you about God’s love for you?

2. Do you feel that God’s face is hidden at times? When? Does it help to hear that “the Lord is looking upon you kindly?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8

1. The Psalm petitions God to 'let his face shine upon us.' What does it mean to you, especially during this Octave of the Nativity, that God would let his face shine upon you?

2. Our psalmist calls for God's salvation to be known among all the nations. How would you relate this verse to the birth of our Savior?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 4, Verses 4-7


1. Why are we no longer slaves but children of God? What did God do for us that made this true?

2. Did God send the same “Spirit of his Son into our hearts” that he sent to Mary when she conceived Jesus? How does this Spirit “ransom those under the law”? According to St. Paul, was the Spirit sent to the heart or mind?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 16-21

1. Can you enter the world of shepherds and messages from angels and mangers? If so, does this help you make sense of everything in your life? What do you mull over in your heart?

2. “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Was the whole salvific plan laid out for Mary? What events would have caused Mary to wonder or worry? In what way do you think she could see the Spirit’s movement in her life? Does seeing the Spirit in your life allow you to make some “leaps of faith” that otherwise wouldn’t be possible?

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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"And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Dec. 25, 2011 (XmasB)
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: Why was Jesus born in a manger?

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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
Midnight Mass, Isaiah, Chapter 9, Verses 1-6
Christmas Dawn, Isaiah, Chapter 62, Verses 11-12

1. “For a child is born to us, a son is given us. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” What do these names mean to you? Would you expect to see someone named God-Hero born in a stable? Why was he? Who would be the most likely candidate to be born in a stable, the child of a president of a country, a homeless person’s child or a soldier’s child? Who is actually born in stable-like places today?

2. “They shall be called a holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, and you shall be called ‘Frequented,’ a city that is not forsaken.” Why are they called holy? Who is with them? What is it that Emmanuel (God with us) does for all people? What does this mean to you in your daily life? Do you think you need God to be a God in the flesh?

Responsorial Psalm
Mass During the Day, Psalm 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

1. Our Psalm says, 'Sing to the Lord a new song.' In what way do these words inspire you to celebrate the birth of our Savior at Christmas? How is our song at Christmas different from the other songs we sing?

2. The Psalm says, 'All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God ... sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands.' These words imply prophetically that even the Gentiles (ourselves) are included in Gods' salvation. What does it mean to you to have seen the 'saving power of God?'

Second Reading
Christmas Day, Hebrews, Chapter 1, Verses 1-6

1. “In time past, God spoke in partial and various ways.” What are some of the various ways God speaks to you? Do you look for God in the lowly events of your life as well as the great ones?

2. What does St. Paul mean when he says that the Son is the very “imprint of the Father’s being”? What would a person look like (be, act) if he/she were the imprint of Christ?

Gospel
Midnight Mass, Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 1-14
Christmas Day, John, Chapter 1, Verses 1-18

1. Why do you think Jesus was born into earthly poverty? With what kind of people did he fraternize and care for? If you want to find God today where might you start looking?

2. “In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . He was in the world.” What is John saying about Christ and his involvement in the creation of the world? What is John saying about the book of Genesis?

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.