"And I tell you, ask and you will receive."

“Teach us how to pray,” the disciples asked Jesus in the Gospel for Sunday, July 28, 2013. This is the longing of our souls. We want to pray. We want to be with God.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 28, 2013 (17C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Should we hold hands during the "Our Father?"

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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 Genesis, Chapter 18, Verses 20-32

1. Abraham keeps bargaining with God. What do you learn about God in this story? How does God respond to Abraham’s persistence? What does this tell you about God’s justice and mercy?

2. What do you learn about Abraham in the story? What behavior of his would you like to imitate? What is each one, God and Abraham, willing to do because of their covenant?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 138: 1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

1. Our psalmist affirms that God answers our needs, "Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me." Give an example of how your prayers have been answered at a critical time in your life.

2. The Psalm reminds us that although the Lord is exalted, He sees the lowly. What is it that gives you confidence that the Lord will not forsake you, even though He is exalted and you are among the lowly ones.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 2, Verses 12-14

1. Christ took us as partners when he “obliterated the bond against us.” He tore down the wall so God could establish a new covenant with us. What does this covenant mean to you? Does it affect your prayers when you are asking God for something?

2. Jesus nailed all that separates us from God to the cross. What does that mean to you?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 11, Verses 1-13

1. Do you get the impression that you will really have to do some fast talking or that God is just waiting for you to ask so he can give you what you need? Jesus refers to the Father giving the Holy Spirit. What does the Holy Spirit know about your needs?

2. How are God and the sleeping father in the parable similar? How are they different? Do you have confidence that God will hear you when you knock on his door? What do the readings this week do for your confidence?

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Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

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"It is Christ in you."

In this Sunday’s second reading from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, Paul speaks about a mystery, “a mystery that has been hidden for ages is now manifested to God’s Holy Ones. The mystery is this: Christ is in you.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 21, 2013 (16C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Is Superstition a Sin?

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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 Genesis, Chapter 18, Verses 1-10

1. What does this story of Abraham’s hospitality signify? What part of the story is most meaningful to you? Why? Why do you think God intervened in human history?

2. Do you think Abraham went overboard in welcoming the three men? What determines your degree of hospitality?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 15: 2-3, 3-4, 5

1. Our psalmist David asks us once again, "Who may dwell on God's holy mountain?" Drawing from the verses of the Psalm, speak of what you are doing to draw closer to God.

2. The Psalm says that one who thinks the truth in his heart will live in the presence of the Lord. Describe how you are making sure you have a pure heart so as to gain favor with God.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verses 24-28

1. “I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body.” Where is the “lack”? What happens to people when they unite their suffering with Christ’s for other people?

2. Does knowing Christianity as a religion change your attitude toward suffering with Christ for others? What will your attitude be if you know Christ as a real person?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 38-42

1. Are you Martha or Mary? Are you a little of each? Was Martha wrong and Mary right? Which is an example of ministry to others and its roots?

2. Would you too be agitated with Mary for not pitching into the preparations? Is it possible to prepare dinner while sitting “beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak?” How is it possible to be contemplative and active in ministry both at the same time?

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"And who is my neighbor?"

On Sunday, we will hear a very well known portion of St. Luke’s Gospel – the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). It is fascinating to observe the progression of this episode to teach a beautiful lesson on being a good neighbor. 

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 14, 2013 (15C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Is it better to help in secular or Church work?

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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 Deuteronomy, Chapter 30, Verses 10-14

1. Sometimes organized religion develops lists of involved codes and rules like the ones that Moses refers to in this reading. What do you think inspired these codes?

2. Where does every person find God’s commandment? Jesus said the commandments are: love God and love your neighbor. Do you find yourself relying on the codes and guidelines more than on the underlying commandment?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11

1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is, "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life." Tell of how God's commandments are for you uplifting and nourishing.

2. Our psalmist says that God's ordinances are for him 'sweeter than honey.' Explain what this verse means to you.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verses 15-20

1. With whom did Jesus spend time? After all, he was “Christ Jesus, the one who is before all things, the firstborn of all creation.” With whom do you want to spend time? Do you make an effort to give time to God and the people you love or are you always in a hurry to do more important things?

2. The reading says that Christ reconciled all things, making peace by the blood of his cross. In the story of the Good Samaritan, what are the things that need reconciling? What still needs reconciling in the besieged environment today? In the arena of human rights? How can you share in the work of creation, redemption and renewal?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 25-37

1. If you found the victim by the road, would you be willing to help? Can you think of someone else who would? If the victim in the story were your neighbor or your friend would you be more willing to act like the Good Samaritan? So what is Jesus telling us? What is it that makes all people neighbors?

2. Think of the Good Samaritan story in terms of today’s world. How might you care for people when they can’t walk; bandage them when they are wounded; make arrangements decent shelter?

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"Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals."

In verse 4 of today's Gospel, Jesus addresses the disciples, whom He is sending out into the field, "Carry no purse, no backpacks, no sandals."


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 7, 2014 (14C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Who is the Church?

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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 66, Verses 10-14

1. Salvation history started in the Old Testament, moved through the New and continues today. Do you think God’s love changed over all this time or is it the same? Why do you say so?

2. Compare Jerusalem in this reading with the Church today. What treasure has the Church received from God that gives her children great comfort?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 66:  1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

1. Our Psalmist invites us to, "Come and see the works of God."  Give an example of the awesome power of God in your life.

2. The verses of the psalm say, "Blessed be God who refused me not."   Tell of how the Lord has answered your plea and your prayer.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 6, Verses 14-18

1. “For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision.” Some people wanted to follow the ancient practices. Paul did not. Can you relate to this kind of problem in your home? Your work? Your Church?

2. St. Paul looks at the circumcision situation from the perspective of “the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Can you envision problems in today’s Church from that point of view? Standing vs. kneeling, women vs. men, inclusive language or not, and which style of music is played?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 1-12, 17-20

1. Jesus sent seventy-two disciples out because at the time there were seventy-two known nations. What would such symbolism mean in our times? Are you one of the people sent out?

2. Jesus sends us “like lambs to the wolves, without money, backpacks or sandals.” In what ways are you a laborer in this abundant harvest? What happens when a lamb meets a wolf? If you are the lamb, then who are the wolves he sends you out to? Is there anything good about being without money?

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

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"You are my inheritance, O Lord."

Last Sunday, the Gospel reading ended with the challenge of discipleship: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” We continue the same theme on discipleship this coming Sunday. Reading from Luke 9:51-62, the Gospel shows us the seriousness of discipleship in its demand for unconditional abandonment to God’s Will.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 27, 2010 (13C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Does God want you to be rich?

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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
First Book of Kings, Chapter 19, Verses 16, 19-21

1. What was Elisha doing when he was called? Can you think of other bible stories where God called people from their jobs? Does God call you to change your everyday life? Do you ask him to let you go back home?

2. Were the people whom God called to be prophets highly educated and socially elite? What are God’s prerequisites for prophets, then? What would your issues be if you were a prophet today?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 16: 1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

1. Our Psalmist speaks confidently about his belief in an everlasting life with God. Speak of how you are confident about being raised up with the Lord and spending eternity in
His presence.

2. David says, "My Lord, you are my allotted portion and my cup." Explain what these words mean to you.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 5, Verses 1, 13-18

1. “For you were called for freedom.” What is the source of this freedom? Do you have it? How is it a freeing experience to go out of yourself to love your neighbor

2. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” St. Paul says. Do you love your neighbor? Do you have actual love for yourself? Do you ever “bite and devour” yourself and others? If so, what are some ways the Holy Spirit can help you?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 9, Verses 51-62

1. “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Do you have a place to lay your head? Then how can be like Jesus if you live well? Are material things too important to you?

2. James and John wanted “to call down fire from heaven” to consume the Samaritans, and Jesus rebuked them for it. How do you control your own anger or your resentment? After reading this Gospel what is it that you think Jesus wants from you?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
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"But who do you say that I am?"

In this Sunday's Gospel, June 23, 2013, Jesus asks the question "Who do the crowds say I am?" It is a question that had as much relevancy down the centuries as it did when it was first asked in the northeast corner of Palestine.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 23, 2013 (12C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Is Jesus & 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 Zechariah
Chapter 12, Verses 10-11; Chapter 13, Verse 1

1. Who is prefigured in this reading from the book of Zechariah? Another part of the reading says that God will pour out a spirit of grace and petition on the people. How is this related to the death of the pieced one?

2. Do you forgive other people if they “repent,” or do you demand more? Are there people you have offended and whom you need to ask for forgiveness? Has your country pierced individuals or groups of people? How about the Church? Is there anything can you do about the latter two?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

1. Our Psalmist is thirsting for the Lord. Describe a time in your life when you felt parched spiritually and you thirsted for God.

2. Having called out to God, our Psalmist clings fast to Him. What does it mean to you to have your soul satisfied, "As with the riches of a banquet?"

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 3, Verses 26-29

1. What happens to traits like gender, color, race, social status, sexual orientation and allegiance to points of view different than our own in the baptismal garment?

2. There are some people who for one reason or another do not “put on Christ.” Does Christ redeem them too? Do you think God sees you praying for the ones you love who may have “taken Christ” off for a while? Maybe they are still connected as long as you’re holding on to them. Discuss.

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 9, Verses 18-24

1. Why did Jesus ask his disciples whom they thought he was? Does he ask this of you as well? Why? Is this a way to help his followers be a part of the kingdom?

2. Are there any implications for you if you know who Christ is and what his mission is about? If picking up your cross is a formidable task, do you have to think of all the years to come, or could you just pick up today’s cross?

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

"The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin."

We have all sinned. That's the message of the Sunday Readings for July 16, 2013. Like David we face a choice. We can try to justify ourselves. Shift the blame. Say nobody can tell me what to do. Those things lead to death. Or like David - or the woman in today's Gospel - admit the simple truth, "I have sinned."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 16, 2013 (11C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: 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
Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 12, Verses 7-10, 13

1. Is there a lesson in the story of the great king David’s lust and his killing of Uriah the Hittite? Does that lesson apply to you? Is there any sin too heinous for God to forgive?

2. What about Uriah’s family? How hard would it be for them to forgive David? How hard is it for you to forgive wrongs done to you? How hard is it for God to forgive? How hard was it for Jesus?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 32: 1-2, 5, 7, 11

1. Speak of the peace you obtain after having received Absolution for your sins when you participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

2. Our psalmist, David, is convicted of his sins and acknowledges his faults before the Lord.What is it in your life that inspires you to confess
your sins before the Lord?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 2, Verses 2-16, 19-21

1. St. Paul says, “I live by faith in the son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me” Why do you think Jesus gave himself up for us? Why would he want to live in you?

2. Can your good works be holy? What makes them so? If Christ is living in you, are you just a shell that he uses to do his works? Or do you live in the flesh by faith in the Son of God?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 7, Verses 36-50; Chapter 8, Verses 1-3

1. Compare and contrast the Pharisee with the weeping woman. Do you think he had stereotyped her? Do you stereotype people?

2. Did the woman love Jesus because he had loved her first and had forgiven her sins? Or do you think she loved him first and in response he forgave her sins? To say it another way, does love follow forgiveness? Or does forgiveness follow love?

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

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