"I am the way and the truth and the life."

This Sunday's Gospel text is taken from St. John's account of the Last Supper. That the Church gives us this Last Supper discourse of Jesus for an Easter Season Eucharist is illuminative. These words are spoken to us now by the Risen Lord, truly alive and present in our midst. In this gospel we find things that Jesus taught before his death beautifully combined with John's inspired interpretation of these teachings, written in full confidence of guidance by the Spirit of Jesus (Jn 16:13).

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 18, 2014 (5EasterA)
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: How Catholic are you? Take the Quiz

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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
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 6, Verses 1-7

1. How did the new Christian community solve the problem of neglected widows? Did the twelve decide to forego prayer and the ministry of the word in order to help them? “Faith finds its expression in good works, and good works in turn builds faith.” How does the story in this reading illustrate this statement by Aelred Rosser?

2. How did the Church make changes to meet the needs of the times? How important is the ability to make changes? How might this kind of thinking impact the Church today?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19

1. This week's Response is, "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you." When you place your trust in the Lord, do you become like one of His sheep? Are you then
dependent on His grace and protection? Explain.

2. The Psalm says that the Lord will preserve us in spite of famine. The psalmist here may be speaking more about spiritual famine, instead of physical hunger. Have you ever gone through a time of spiritual hunger? Explain.

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 2, Verses 4-9

1. Discuss ways that you have found Christ to be both a stone foundation and a stumbling block in your faith journey.

2. You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own,” the reading says. How do you announce the praises of “him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 14, Verses 1-12

1. Jesus says, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” What does that statement mean to you? Philip wanted a clearer explanation of who the Father is. Can you relate to that? How did Jesus say we can know the Father?

2. The disciples didn’t want Jesus to leave. Can you relate to this desire to be with the people you love? How is human love a reflection of divine love or a participation in it?

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.

"I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved."

We may misunderstand the voice of God, the shepherd, ignore it, resist it, button our ears to it, but in our moments of sane and solitary wholeness—or maybe in our times of trouble—our spirits pulse to the rhythm of that voice. It resounds within us. If we are going to be anybody's sheep, then let it be Christ's. 

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 11, 2014 (4EasterA)
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 Christians perform 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
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 14a, 36-41

1. The people listening to Peter’s sermon were “cut to the heart” with remorse. What cuts you to the heart? The listeners asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” What action did they take? With what kinds of actions do you respond?

2. Define conversion. Is conversion a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Explain. Who needs conversion? Does conversion involve only a change of behaviors?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 23: 1-6

1. If you are one of his sheep, your shepherd will guide you beside restful waters, according to the Psalm. Do you think the analogy of sheep and shepherd is a good one to apply to the relationship your have with the Lord? Why?

2. It is said that David wrote this Psalm on his deathbed. Do you believe the Psalm would be a source of peace for a person facing death? If so, why?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 2, Verses 20b-25

1.Christ’s innocence and lack of vengeance show us what God’s love is like. Does he leave you an example to follow? How can suffering be an occasion of grace?

2. Peter is referring to a kind of suffering that is inflicted on a person for doing something good. Give examples in which this has been the case. Have you had this experience?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 10, Verses 1-10

1. Flocks would recognize the sound of the shepherd’s voice and come to him, ignoring other shepherds’ voices. In your life can you discern which “voice” belongs to the Good Shepherd? Which of the following is your favorite comparison of Christ to a good shepherd: calling by name, recognition of voice, following the shepherd, not following strangers, shepherd as the gate?

2. The shepherd gathers his sheep into a secure place with one opening and no door. He protects the sheep by lying across the gateway. Is Christ, the Good Shepherd, like this? Can you feel the security of being guarded in this way?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your thoughts on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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"Were not our hearts burning within us"

The stranger on the road to Emmaus takes the skepticism and curiosity of the disciples and weaves them into the fabric of the Scripture. Jesus challenges them to reinterpret the events of the past days in light of the Scriptures. During the meal He recreated the Last Supper. He took bread, blessed it and gave it to them. And they recognized Him in the breaking of the break, the first Christian name for the Eucharist.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Easter, May 4, 2014 (3EasterA)
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 the Mass a Eucharistic Banquet or a Holy Sacrifice

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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
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 14, 22-33

1. Can you see how different Peter’s attitude is in this reading than it was during Jesus’ passion and death? To what do you attribute the change? Can you apply your answer to yourself? In other words, could such a change take place in you?

2. Through the centuries, certain Catholics and Christians have in fact condemned and even persecuted the Jewish people. Some have used Peter’s words as a reason: “This man . . . you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.” Do you see that in this reading that it was God’s plan for Jesus to die, and then to rise again, and that therefore the Jews remain the chosen people of God?

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

1.  This Psalm alludes to the resurrection of our Lord, who although He descended to the netherworld, came out freely, without undergoing corruption.  Why do you think our Lord had to undergo this journey, and what does his rising unspoiled mean for us?

2.  The psalmist refers to the Lord as his allotted portion and his cup.  Do you see here a reference to the Lord as our source of blessings and salvation?   Describe how you would apply the Lord's portion and His cup to your life.

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 1, Verses 17-21

1. In this quotation from the his first letter, Peter speaks of Christ as having been known before the foundation of the world!. Why has such an infinite one been revealed to us, according to Peter?

2. This Second Reading has been called a sermon on hope. Why do you think that is? Do you find it hopeful??

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 24, Verses 13-35

1. Can you relate to any of these in the Gospel story: Confusion of the disciples? Inability to recognize Jesus? Desire to spend more time with a good friend? Sudden realization that the Lord is present?

2. Why were their hearts “burning within them” as they listened? Does your heart ever react to Jesus this way?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share 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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"Do not be unbelieving, but believe."

This Sunday we hear that the apostles, imprisoned and bound by fear, have locked themselves into the upper room, and that "Jesus came and stood before them...Then he breathed on them and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men's sins, they are forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held bound.' "

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Easter, April 27, 2014 (2EasterA)
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: What is 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
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verses 42-47

1. How could the early Christians “sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s needs”? Could you go this far with the “selling and dividing”?

2. Can you describe this early Christian community in a short sentence? Are there other groups that fit this description? How is your faith strengthened by the faith of others? Why did they “eat their meals with exultation”?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 118:  2-4, 13-15, 22-24

1.  The Psalm says God's love is everlasting and that His mercy endures forever.   Do you feel that you have received God's mercy even though you may not have been worthy?   What changes in your life have taken place as you have received God's love?

2)  Have you ever felt as though you were 'hard pressed and falling' as the Psalm says?   Can you recall a time in your life when God helped you to regain your strength and courage?   Did you then feel like making a 'joyful shout of victory?'

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 1, Verses 3-9


1. “You may have to suffer through various trials.” Are troubles beneficial? Does “letting go” free you in any way? What do you call it when you believe even though you can’t see?

2 Hans Urs von Balthasar says this: “We are not the ones who grasp Christ and anchor ourselves to him, rather, Christ has caught up with us and grasped us.” Which “grasping” makes you feel more secure? How does Balthasar’s sentences apply to this particular reading?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 20, Verses 19-31

1. No doors can be locked tight enough to keep Christ out. Explain. Do you have “locked doors”? If sin is what separates God from the world and people from one another, what do you do about your own sins? Is peace connected with forgiveness of sins?

2. “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Which do you think is stronger, belief or seeing? Do you need help believing, as Thomas did? What reason does John give us for his telling us this story?

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.

"They have taken the Lord from the tomb"

In the words of Psalm 118: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!" Good News, indeed… The Word to remember is "Easter!"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Easter Sunday, Apr. 20 2014 (EasterA)
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: Who can receive Communion?

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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
The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10, Verses 34a, 37-43

1. What is the significance of the word “witness,” in the sentence, “We are witnesses to all that he did”? Peter uses it both as a noun (meaning “observer”) and a verb (meaning “corroborate,” “testify”).

2. What are some of the ways you can bear witness in your life? Should you witness with more than words?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23

1. The Psalm says, "His mercy endures forever." Having risen with the Lord, in what way do we depend on His mercy to share life with Him in His heavenly kingdom?

2. The psalmist says, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." Having been saved from death by our risen Lord, what is expected of us, and what are we called to proclaim?

Second Reading
Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 3, Verses 1-4

1. “Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.” Paul tells us what is “above” later in chapter 3 of Colossians. He says that we should put on heartfelt compassion. What does compassion look like in your immediate world and in the larger one?

2. One of Paul’s last directives is to let the peace of Christ control your hearts. How do you do that when you’re feeling confused, or paralyzed with fear, or depressed? Where do you find help?

Gospel
According to John, Chapter 20, Verses 1-9
or Matthew, Chapter 28, Verses 1-10

1. The same women who were with Jesus when he died came to anoint his body in the morning. Were they deterred from their task by an immovable stone or by fear? Compare and contrast their behavior with the actions of Jesus’ other disciples. Looking at all the disciples during Jesus’ last hours, whose behavior would you like to imitate?

2. What is it that allowed John to “see and believe,” to have this kind of clarity? Does love give you knowledge about a person, or insights into their behavior? In John, Jesus says “Whoever loves me….I will love him (her) and reveal myself to him (her)” (Ch 14, Vs. 21). Is there a connection between Jesus’ statement and John’s “seeing and believing”?

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.

"Hosanna to the Son of David"

It is a special liturgy, this Sunday, known as “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.” If you were tempted to think of it as just another Mass but with a few additions, prepare to drop that assumption. Passion Sunday is a very deep vision of the heart and soul of Christianity.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Apr. 13, 2011 (Palm)
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: What Sacraments were instituted by Jesus on Holy Thursday?"

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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 Isaiah, Chapter 50, Verses 4-7

1. If you speak out in God’s behalf against injustice, according to this reading what can you expect your life to be like? Who, other than Jesus might the speaker be in this reading? Explain.

2. “Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear.” What do you think you hear? Do you stand up for justice even if it involves some discomfort for you? Will you allow God to use you in some small way to remedy someone’s suffering? Explain. Is the presence of God with you when you speak for God?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24

1.  This Sunday's Psalm response are the words spoken by Christ as he was dying on the cross for us, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Do you sometimes feel abandoned by the Lord? Is it He who abandons us, or it the other way around?

2.  In what way does this Psalm remind you of the crucifixion? Do you see a way out of the darkness of these words, and do you believe that the suffering described can be a source of strength in times of distress, knowing that there is a victory ahead?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 2, Verses 6-11

1. Why would God be humble and empty? What good are those qualities? What is the relationship between them and Agape, love that is selfless and free from self-concern and preoccupation?

2. Is your life described in question 1 above or is it characterized sometimes by selfishness? Which kind of life includes conversion, vulnerability and search for justice? Which includes suffering? Which redeems the world? Is there any middle ground between Agape and selfishness?

Gospel
According to Matthew
Chapter 26, Verses 14-75; Chapter 27, Verses 1-66

1. Who stayed and who didn’t stay with Jesus through his passion? Which group would you have been with? How do you react to fear? What do you think helped the people who stayed with Jesus overcome fear?

2. Jesus felt abandoned by the one he loved most. Even though he couldn’t know it, do you think the Father and the Spirit were there with Jesus on the cross? What does his choosing to experience all of humanity’s worst suffering tell us? What does it say to you?

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.

"I am the resurrection and the life"

The Fifth Sunday of Lent's Gospel story of the raising of Lazarus narrative in John's Gospel (11:1-44) is the climax of the signs of Jesus. The story is situated shortly before Jesus is captured, tried and crucified. It is the event that most directly results in his condemnation by those seeking to kill him.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Apr. 6, 2014 (5LentA)
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
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 Ezekiel, Chapter 37, Verses 12-14

1. God makes two promises to Israel, “I will bring you up from your graves. I will put my spirit within you and you shall live.” On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate these two gifts God promised? Are these promises made to you also?

2. Would your actions change if you really believed you had access to the Holy Spirit at all times? How?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 130: 1-8

1. The Psalmist 'cries out' to the Lord for mercy. Have you also cried out to the Lord for forgiveness because of your sins? What was the outcome of your prayer?

2. The Psalm says that 'with the Lord there is fullness of redemption.' Do you believe that the Lord will save you from the consequences of your sins? What does the Lord ask of you in return?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 8, Verses 8-11

1. Discuss von Balthasar’s idea that if you are guided by the Spirit rather than by the flesh “the germ of divine, eternal life already lives in you with this Spirit and you hold a ‘down-payment,’ as it were, a ticket to God’s life.”

2. St. Paul said, “Those of you who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Do you think he meant, “Those of you who are led by the temptations of the flesh cannot please God”? What is the difference??

Gospel
According to John, Chapter l1, Verses 1-45

1. How does the raising of Lazarus point to Jesus’ words,” I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live”? Compare Jesus’ statement, “Untie him and let him go,” with Moses’ statement to the Pharaoh, “Let my people go.”

2. How would you feel if there were no life after death? But Jesus won the battle over death. What does that mean to you? In all these readings we are encouraged to choose life when faced with “death.” How do you do that in your daily life?

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.
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