“Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”

On the Feast of St. John Lateran we hear about the only recorded act of violence by Jesus. We reflect upon this and explain why there are things that Christians should hold as worth fighting for. Jesus referred to the temple in Jerusalem as "my Father's house." So why did Jesus get so angry in the Gospel? Was this an act of love? How could it be?


Discussion Questions for Sunday's Readings 
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome (32A)
November 9, 2014

SUNDAY READINGS

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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
Ezekiel, Chapter 47, Verses 1-2, 8-9, 12

1. Water in this reading transforms all that it touches. Discuss. Water is also a symbol of the presence of God. How does this presence or your memory of it transform things in your life?

2. Compare salt water with fresh water. What does the following sentence mean to you: “This water empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh”?

Second Reading
First Corinthians, Chapter 3, Verses 9c-11, 16-17

1. Paul had just finished reprimanding the Corinthians for the divisions among them and he reminded them that they were one in Christ. Would St. Paul have to write a new homily for the Church of 2008? Discuss the pros and cons of divisions.

2. Paul asks, “Do you not know the Spirit of God dwells in you?” If so, can you ask the Holy Spirit for help when you need it? Do you think the Holy Spirit knows what you need even when you don’t? Could you show reverence for someone because the Holy Spirit is in that person?

Gospel
John, Chapter 2, Verses 13-22

1. Which of the following enraged Jesus most: the selling of animals in the temple, exchanging money in the holy place, or exploitation of the poor?

2. How are the poor exploited today? Can you, as a member of Christ’s Body, do anything to make it better? On a scale of ten how would you rate your present actions [10 = caring like Jesus, 0 = not caring at all]?

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