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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Thursday
"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.
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.
Wednesday
"Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 6, 2011 (32A)
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: Must we believe the Church 100% to be Catholic?
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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 Wisdom, Chapter 6, Verses 12-16
1. In this reading people are looking for Wisdom at the same time that Wisdom is searching for them. What does your “wanting wisdom” do for your “receiving wisdom”? Explain the following line from the reading: “…whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.”
2. Consider and discuss the following statement by theologian and liturgical writer, Aelred Rosser: “Wisdom is that elusive attribute that enables us to see beyond the surface of things into their depths, to see as God sees, and therefore to see God.”
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
1. Our psalmist is thirsting for the Lord. Have you also gone through a time in your life when your soul is 'parched' and 'lifeless.' Describe how the Lord satisfies your spiritual thirst.
2. Our psalmist says he shouts for joy in the 'shadow of God's wings.' What does it mean to you to be in the 'shadow of His wings?'
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 4, Verses 13-18
1. Would you live differently if you thought the “end time” was right around the corner as the Thessalonians did? What would change?
2. Those who are alive will be caught up together with Christ and with those who have died. Does the fact that we are going to be “caught up” as a people or as a community in Christ have any implications for you now?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 25, Verses 1-13
1. Jesus’ parable is about being watchful and well prepared. How can you do this yourself? Is the “Be watchful” assignment just for people over a certain age, or people who have gotten bad news from their doctors?
2. When you watch for God in your life do you sometimes “doze off”? What kinds of things cause you to to lose interest or stop “watching”? What exactly are you watching for? How does this reading relate to the First Reading about Wisdom?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 6, 2011 (32A)
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: Must we believe the Church 100% to be Catholic?
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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 Wisdom, Chapter 6, Verses 12-16
1. In this reading people are looking for Wisdom at the same time that Wisdom is searching for them. What does your “wanting wisdom” do for your “receiving wisdom”? Explain the following line from the reading: “…whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.”
2. Consider and discuss the following statement by theologian and liturgical writer, Aelred Rosser: “Wisdom is that elusive attribute that enables us to see beyond the surface of things into their depths, to see as God sees, and therefore to see God.”
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
1. Our psalmist is thirsting for the Lord. Have you also gone through a time in your life when your soul is 'parched' and 'lifeless.' Describe how the Lord satisfies your spiritual thirst.
2. Our psalmist says he shouts for joy in the 'shadow of God's wings.' What does it mean to you to be in the 'shadow of His wings?'
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 4, Verses 13-18
1. Would you live differently if you thought the “end time” was right around the corner as the Thessalonians did? What would change?
2. Those who are alive will be caught up together with Christ and with those who have died. Does the fact that we are going to be “caught up” as a people or as a community in Christ have any implications for you now?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 25, Verses 1-13
1. Jesus’ parable is about being watchful and well prepared. How can you do this yourself? Is the “Be watchful” assignment just for people over a certain age, or people who have gotten bad news from their doctors?
2. When you watch for God in your life do you sometimes “doze off”? What kinds of things cause you to to lose interest or stop “watching”? What exactly are you watching for? How does this reading relate to the First Reading about Wisdom?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct 30, 2011 (31A)
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 Jesus and God the same?”
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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 Malachi, Chapter 1, Verse 14b; Chapter 2, Verses 1-2b, 8-10
1. The priests in this reading neglected their duty and are responsible for the erosion of faith among the people. In general what do you think are some contemporary issues that erode people’s faith? In particular what erodes your faith? What increases your faith?
2. Malachi points out in this reading that the priests were showing partiality and not preaching the Torah with fidelity and good example. What serious responsibilities do privileged positions within a community bring with them?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 131: 1-3
1. The Psalm says, "In you, Lord, I have found my peace." In what way can you relate to this verse? Explain how you have found peace in the Lord, the peace the world cannot give.
2. As our psalmist says, you must still and quiet your soul if you wish to find peace in the Lord. How do you go about becoming like a weaned child in the presence of the Lord?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 2, Verses 7b-9, 13
1. According to this reading explain what makes Paul such an effective minister. In which message are you going to be more interested, one given by someone that cares about you by one who doesn’t know your name?
2. Aelred Rosser says, “He (Paul) has personal integrity and credibility because what he has received as a gift he gives as a gift.” Discuss some characteristics of people you know about whom you can say the same thing.
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 23, Verses 1-12
1. In Luke 22: 26-27, Jesus says, ”But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves.” Jesus instituted an office of service. “Wide belts,” tassels,” places of honor and titles helped the scribes and Pharisees increase their social status but did they help them serve others better? What does help you serve?
2. Could remembering “You have but one Father in heaven,” help you remain humble? How? In this Gospel what is Jesus’ message for religious leaders that is relevant for all times? What is Jesus’ message for you?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct 30, 2011 (31A)
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 Jesus and God the same?”
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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of the prophet Malachi, Chapter 1, Verse 14b; Chapter 2, Verses 1-2b, 8-10
1. The priests in this reading neglected their duty and are responsible for the erosion of faith among the people. In general what do you think are some contemporary issues that erode people’s faith? In particular what erodes your faith? What increases your faith?
2. Malachi points out in this reading that the priests were showing partiality and not preaching the Torah with fidelity and good example. What serious responsibilities do privileged positions within a community bring with them?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 131: 1-3
1. The Psalm says, "In you, Lord, I have found my peace." In what way can you relate to this verse? Explain how you have found peace in the Lord, the peace the world cannot give.
2. As our psalmist says, you must still and quiet your soul if you wish to find peace in the Lord. How do you go about becoming like a weaned child in the presence of the Lord?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Chapter 2, Verses 7b-9, 13
1. According to this reading explain what makes Paul such an effective minister. In which message are you going to be more interested, one given by someone that cares about you by one who doesn’t know your name?
2. Aelred Rosser says, “He (Paul) has personal integrity and credibility because what he has received as a gift he gives as a gift.” Discuss some characteristics of people you know about whom you can say the same thing.
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 23, Verses 1-12
1. In Luke 22: 26-27, Jesus says, ”But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves.” Jesus instituted an office of service. “Wide belts,” tassels,” places of honor and titles helped the scribes and Pharisees increase their social status but did they help them serve others better? What does help you serve?
2. Could remembering “You have but one Father in heaven,” help you remain humble? How? In this Gospel what is Jesus’ message for religious leaders that is relevant for all times? What is Jesus’ message for you?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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Friday
"Are you envious because I am generous?"
This Sunday's Gospel for Sept. 21, 2014 (25A) may be the most puzzling of the forty parables of Jesus. It is found only in Matthew. Perhaps Mark, Luke, and John were afraid to touch it. This parable is clearly about serving the Master, or working in the kingdom, but the twist here is that many of those who worked in the vineyard did not think that the wages were fairly paid.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 21, 2014 (25A)
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: Can a Catholic person marry a non-Catholic person?
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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 55, Verses 6-9
1. “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near.” Is God always near? Can God always be found? Name some times in your day when it is easier to find God than at others. What will help you remember to “seek God” in all the areas of your life?
2. Isaiah is writing about a call to conversion in this reading. How does this apply to you? How long do you withhold mercy when your best friend offends you? On the next level, do you have mercy on the perpetrators of the 9/11 ordeal, or the people committing genocide in the Sudan? Does God ever withhold mercy or pardon? Discuss.
Responsorial Psalm
Responsorial Psalm: 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
1. Our psalmist says he will bless the Lord every day and praise His name forever and ever.
What does it mean to you to 'bless the Lord?' Each day how do you give honor and praise to God?
2. The Psalm says the Lord is 'compassionate' toward all His works. In what way do you imitate the Lord by showing compassion toward your family and the members of your community,
and to strangers in your midst?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 1, Verses 20c-24, 27a
1. Who “magnifies” the Lord for you? Is it true that every time you are around these people you feel as though Christ is somehow present? Why is that? What is it about them you would like to emulate?
2. What did Paul mean when he said, “For to me life is Christ and death is gain”? What do you think comprised “fruitful labor” for Paul since he had to stay in the “flesh”? What is your “fruitful labor”?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 20, Verses 1-16a
1. How would grace be handed out if people made the rules? How would you feel about God’s ways if they were like our ways, if God’s bountiful generosity did not exceed the level of simple distributive justice?
2. This Gospel reading must be about outrageous generosity, if it is not about strict justice. What is the message for you in your everyday life?
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.
Thursday
"How often must I forgive?"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 11, 2011 (24A)
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: What commandments require restitution?
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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 27, Verse 30; Chapter 28, Verses 1-7
1. Is it harder for you to forgive to ask for forgiveness? How good are you at overlooking the faults of others as Sirach suggests? What about this: do you forgive yourself?
2. When you want to “hug wrath and anger tight”(to paraphrase the reading), do you have ways, or people, or places where you might find help in letting your anger calm down?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
1. The Psalm says the Lord is 'slow to anger, rich in compassion.' What can you learn from the Lord about dealing with anger and how to respond with love when you are inclined to condemn someone?
2. The Psalm deals with the Lords' forgiveness of our transgressions. In what way are you encouraged by the Psalm to be forgiving and compassionate to those who have offended you?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 14, Verses 7-9
1. “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” Do you live for yourself? Do you ever think about the one to whom you owe your existence? If you do, how does that play out in how you live your life?
2. Does God leave you alone in this world? Will you be alone when you die? Is it possible to have a mutual relation with the Lord? If you try to live for the Lord does he live for you also?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 18, Verses 21-35
1. When you say you forgive someone, do you just say the words or do you really forgive the person in your heart? Compare “hugging the wrath and anger tight” from the First Reading with the actions of the servant in this Gospel. Is the servant a fair person? Are you? Do you give good to others since you also receive it as a gift?
2. Do you think God wants you to forgive your neighbor just for your neighbor’s sake, or for yours too? What does forgiveness do to the love that was lost? When did Jesus forgive or when did he talk about forgiveness? How did Jesus “take away the sins of the world”?
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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Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 11, 2011 (24A)
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: What commandments require restitution?
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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 27, Verse 30; Chapter 28, Verses 1-7
1. Is it harder for you to forgive to ask for forgiveness? How good are you at overlooking the faults of others as Sirach suggests? What about this: do you forgive yourself?
2. When you want to “hug wrath and anger tight”(to paraphrase the reading), do you have ways, or people, or places where you might find help in letting your anger calm down?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
1. The Psalm says the Lord is 'slow to anger, rich in compassion.' What can you learn from the Lord about dealing with anger and how to respond with love when you are inclined to condemn someone?
2. The Psalm deals with the Lords' forgiveness of our transgressions. In what way are you encouraged by the Psalm to be forgiving and compassionate to those who have offended you?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 14, Verses 7-9
1. “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” Do you live for yourself? Do you ever think about the one to whom you owe your existence? If you do, how does that play out in how you live your life?
2. Does God leave you alone in this world? Will you be alone when you die? Is it possible to have a mutual relation with the Lord? If you try to live for the Lord does he live for you also?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 18, Verses 21-35
1. When you say you forgive someone, do you just say the words or do you really forgive the person in your heart? Compare “hugging the wrath and anger tight” from the First Reading with the actions of the servant in this Gospel. Is the servant a fair person? Are you? Do you give good to others since you also receive it as a gift?
2. Do you think God wants you to forgive your neighbor just for your neighbor’s sake, or for yours too? What does forgiveness do to the love that was lost? When did Jesus forgive or when did he talk about forgiveness? How did Jesus “take away the sins of the world”?
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.
--
"Whoever has ears ought to hear."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 10, 2011 (15A)
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: Is it Better to Pray or To Study the Faith?
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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
Is 55:10-11
1. Isaiah says that the rain and snow come down giving seed to those who sow and bread to those who eat. There is much to unpack in such a statement. What about the sacredness of creation? What about the action of God’s Word, which God says is like the rain and snow? And how does all this affect you?
2. Rain makes the seed germinate and grow. Apply this to God’s grace. Now apply it to God’s grace in your life.
Responsorial Psalm
65:10, 11, 12-13, 14
1. The Psalm says that 'the fields' and the 'valleys' shout and sing for joy. Do you also feel like shouting for joy after you have been showered with God's living water? Explain.
2. Even the seed that falls on good ground will require watering in order to yield a fruitful harvest. Where does the water come from that enriches our faith and inspires us
to be God's witnesses?
Second Reading
Rom 8:18-23
1. “All creation is groaning in labor pains.” Birth pains are inevitable, but why? Suffering is not necessarily a good thing, but what can make it good?
2. How can you help redeem the world? Do you jump at the chance to labor? Do you readily offer your suffering? How do you handle pain you can’t avoid?
Gospel
Mt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9
1. Jesus mentions “cares of the world and lure of wealth” as rocky ground and thorns that keep the seed from taking root. What is your “rocky ground”? Are you a busy pathway where the Word is sown but then is trampled? And can the thorns of worldly anxiety choke the Word when it comes to you?
2. How can you move toward being rich soil? Can you still have rich soil in spite of many obstacles? Name some people you know or some saints who still produced a hundredfold in spite of obstacles.
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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Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 10, 2011 (15A)
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: Is it Better to Pray or To Study the Faith?
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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
Is 55:10-11
1. Isaiah says that the rain and snow come down giving seed to those who sow and bread to those who eat. There is much to unpack in such a statement. What about the sacredness of creation? What about the action of God’s Word, which God says is like the rain and snow? And how does all this affect you?
2. Rain makes the seed germinate and grow. Apply this to God’s grace. Now apply it to God’s grace in your life.
Responsorial Psalm
65:10, 11, 12-13, 14
1. The Psalm says that 'the fields' and the 'valleys' shout and sing for joy. Do you also feel like shouting for joy after you have been showered with God's living water? Explain.
2. Even the seed that falls on good ground will require watering in order to yield a fruitful harvest. Where does the water come from that enriches our faith and inspires us
to be God's witnesses?
Second Reading
Rom 8:18-23
1. “All creation is groaning in labor pains.” Birth pains are inevitable, but why? Suffering is not necessarily a good thing, but what can make it good?
2. How can you help redeem the world? Do you jump at the chance to labor? Do you readily offer your suffering? How do you handle pain you can’t avoid?
Gospel
Mt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9
1. Jesus mentions “cares of the world and lure of wealth” as rocky ground and thorns that keep the seed from taking root. What is your “rocky ground”? Are you a busy pathway where the Word is sown but then is trampled? And can the thorns of worldly anxiety choke the Word when it comes to you?
2. How can you move toward being rich soil? Can you still have rich soil in spite of many obstacles? Name some people you know or some saints who still produced a hundredfold in spite of obstacles.
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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