"But one mightier than I is coming."

We will celebrate with gratitude the Lord's coming among us in the past on Christmas. Advent, however, is a time to affirm our faith that the Lord's coming is also a present and future reality for which we must prepare. We too ask, "What should we do?"


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 16, 2012 (3AdvC)
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: 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
Zephaniah 3:14-18a

1 ”He will sing joyfully because of you.” This sentence paints a picture. What are some examples in the world about which you might say, “Listen! God is singing!”?

2. “Be not discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst.” This reading says it twice. Have you ever remembered the presence of God in everyday life? In the middle of a crisis? What effect did it

Responsorial Psalm
Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4, 5-6

1. Our Response this Sunday is, 'Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.' Describe how you prepare to receive Jesus inside your heart during this season of Advent.

2. Isaiah says, 'My strength and my courage is the Lord.' Explain what this verse means to you, especially at this time of the year.

Second Reading
Philippians 4:4-7

1. St. Paul says we must rejoice in the Lord always, be kind to all, lose anxiety, make our requests known to God, and thank God as though he has already granted the requests. This is a long list. Are you better at some than others? Which ones need improvement?

2. Maybe you rejoice when you are singing at Mass on Sunday. Are there other times during the week that you experience the same kind of joy? What makes you happy in the Lord?

Gospel
Luke 3:10-18

1. What kind of people went to hear John and repent? Would you show up to hear someone like John today? What would you want to see and hear? Can people be prophets even though their looks or behavior is a departure from the norm? Do you know any prophets? Discuss.

2. The tax collectors, soldiers and others asked John what they should do to be forgiven and prepare to start a new life. He told them to share their food and clothing with the poor, and to be honest and just with their neighbors. How do you think he would answer if you asked him that question today?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts online on the Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.