"Take it; this is my body."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 10, 2012 (CorpusChristiB)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Do you really believe in the True Presence at Mass?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Exodus 24:3-8

1. This reading describes an ancient sacrifice having to do with blood. What is the meaning of the term, “signing in blood”? Why is blood so significant in these ceremonies? Why was it used to seal solemn agreements? Is there a relationship between blood and life? Between blood and death?

2. What kinds of covenants or solemn agreements have you made? What do your agreements tell you about God’s covenant with the Israelites?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 116: 12-13, 15-16, 17-18

1. Our psalmist asks, "How shall I make a return to the Lord or all the good he has done for me?" How do you go about repaying the Lord for your salvation?

2. Per the Psalm, we are obliged to pay our vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. In what ways do you continue to express your love of the Lord in your faith community?

Second Reading
Hebrews 9:11-15


1. In the Old Testament the high priest entered the Holy of Holies every year on the Day of Atonement to compensate for the sins of the people. Is this the reason that Jesus is the ultimate high priest?

2. St. Paul says that Jesus would cleanse our consciences from dead works in order to worship the living God. What do you think constitutes “dead works”? Are there any such things in your life?

Gospel
Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

1. Do you think the Eucharist was part of the Father’s plan? What does it mean to you? Can you carry the Eucharist within you to other people? Give an example.

2. The disciples probably didn’t understand what Jesus was doing at the Last Supper, but they trusted him absolutely. Where do you go when you need help with trust? The Holy Spirit? Books? Priest? Friends?

Sunday Bible Study Group

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