"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son"

The Triune nature of God is the principal mystery of the Catholic faith. It is the first and last horizon of the universe and of history: the Love of God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is not solitude, but perfect communion. All three in a great dynamic of love, are so close that they are One God.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Pentecost Sunday, June 15, 2014 (HolyTrinityA)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why do you do the sign of the Cross?

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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 34, Verses 4b-6; 8-9

1. Besides his name, what did God reveal about himself to Moses on Mount Sinai? What was Moses’ response to this revelation? What is your response to knowledge of God’s love?

2. If the Lord were to come along in our company, would it mean that God loves us every moment exactly as we are, even though we are “stiff-necked” sometimes? Do you forgive others when they are harsh to you? Can you accept them as they are?

Responsorial Psalm
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

1. If those courageous young men in the fiery furnace were able to praise God in these words, in spite of their circumstances, the least we can do is to sing His praises within our own relatively comfortable surroundings. What inspires you to sing His praises?

2). Have you undergone hardship or persecution because of your unwavering faith? Give an example.

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians
Chapter 13, Verses 11-13

1. What do you know about the Trinity from the following lines of the reading? ”The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” If God’s nature is love, then has he invited us to come along in his company? What are the implications for our community?

2. We can all agree with and/or encourage each other in order to live in peace. How important is this to you? Can you agree with most people? Do you feel the tone of this reading is comforting or admonishing?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 3, Verses 16-18

1. What did the Father do that tells you he “loved the world”? What did the Son do? What have you done as a response to God’s immense love for the world and for you personally?

2. The Holy Spirit is the Father and Son’s mutual love. How does the Holy Spirit help you enter the eternal circuit of love in God?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?"

On Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, we stretch still farther the celebration of Christmas with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. An “epiphany” is an appearance, a manifestation. In our readings for the Holy Mass (Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6, Matthew 2:1–12) with their rising stars, splendid lights and revealed mysteries, the face of the Child born on Christmas day appears and is made known throughout the world. The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13) aptly describes the Epiphany with this acclamation: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 5, 2014 (EpiphanyA)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings  
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why do we say the Rosary at Catholic funerals?

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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 the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 60, verses 1-6

1. Even though darkness covered the earth, light and glory had come to Jerusalem. Isaiah wanted to make the Israelites take notice .Do you notice God’s actions in your life?

2. Does Jerusalem have light of her own? Are nations coming to her light or to the Christ-light? What do you think draws people to the Church today?

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

1. The Psalm says that 'profound peace' will flower when our newborn King arrives. Speak of what this verse means to you and how you gain inner peace and strength from the arrival of our Savior.

2. Our psalmist writes that the King will save the lives of the poor and rescue the afflicted. Give an example of how you have been healed by our Lord physically, spiritually, or emotionally.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 3, Verses 2-3, 5-6

1. Just what was this manifestation that brightened the whole world? Why was a star an integral part of the story?

2. “It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed…by the Spirit.” When did people first learn that God wanted to save all creation and not just a chosen people? Do you think God planned to keep this a secret or do you think God reveals things to people little by little? How does God work in your life?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12

1. God sent the Magi a message, and they rode their camels across half the known world. What would cause you to put forth effort like this? What made the search worth it for them? For you?

2. Compare Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Compare Herod and the Magi. What does this say about the places and people God chooses?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your thoughts on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

"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.

"Out of Egypt I called my son"

This Sunday, in a sort of extension of our Christmas celebration we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The Church gives us the image of the Holy Family as the first great fruit of the Incarnation. Jesus, the newly born Son of God, assumes a human family with Joseph and Mary. From the very beginning, the Holy Family was faced with dangers. Matthew narrates to us the first threats on the life of the Infant Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15,19-23). In all of these threats, God intervenes in their favor. Such was their amazing experience, lived in total abandonment and utmost faith.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Dec. 29, 2013 (HolyFamilyA)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings  
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Should Catholics be offended by the term "Xmas?"

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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 Sirach, Chapter 3, Verses 2-6, 12-14

1. Why is the honoring of parents inseparable from gratitude towards God? Explain.

2. Why do you think Sirach says that good things happen to you when you honor your parents (prayers heard, sins atoned, long life made happy by children)?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

1. The Psalm Response asks us, "Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory." How do you prepare yourself during Advent so that the king of glory can enter your heart?

2. Our psalmist speaks of a people that seeks the Lord, that seeks the face of God. Describe what you are doing to seek out the Lord in your family and in your community.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 3, Verses 12-21

1. “Over all these put on love.” What is the only thing God asks of us? What happens to people when they are loved? What kinds of things would disappear off the face of the earth because they wouldn’t be necessary if everyone loved his/her neighbor?

2. In his letter to the Colossians St. Paul gives some ideas about how we can love each other and live in harmony. Have compassion, kindness, humility, patience, bear with one another, and forgive each other. Is this easy? How are we doing with Paul’s assignment as Church? How are you doing with it in your life?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 2, Verses 13 –15, 19-23

1. Does Joseph have second thoughts about leaving his job, dwelling or possessions when the angel tells him to take the child Mary and flee to Egypt? What was the only thing that was important to him?

2. Through Christ we are all united to God the Father and this makes us one family. Would you be willing to act for your family as Joseph did? How far will you step out of your comfort zone for people other than your immediate family? Name some ways you can insure the safety or well being of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.