Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2011 (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 reflections on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Thursday
"Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mar. 6, 2011 (9A)
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
Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 11, Verses 18, 26-28, 32
1. Which of Christ’s words would you like to wear on your forehead, if you could? Which ones would you like to see and think about all day long and commit to your mind and heart?
2. Moses says where he wants his words to rest. Where is that? What does it have to do with binding them on your wrist and hanging them from your forehead?
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 31: 2-4, 17, 25
1. Our psalmist asks the Lord to 'incline your ear to me.' How do we obtain the Lord's attention and be sure that He lifts us up from the pit that we have fallen into?
2. The Psalm calls out to God to lead us and guide us. What is the best way for us to find out where God is leading us?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 3, Verses 21-25, 28
1. Where does St. Paul say the righteousness of God has been shown? Does the law help you to reach it? Is it given or do you have to struggle for it?
2. In this reading, Paul releases us from over-dependence on rules and regulations. How much do you rely on “the works of the law” to guide your life? What role do faith and love play?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 7, Verses 21-27
1. What is the solid foundation that you build your life on? What happens when hardship comes along: “rain and floods, and buffeting by the wind”? Could your foundation-stone be the words of Christ?
2. Where does choice fit in? Don’t you have a choice to build either on rock or on sand? Would your decision be based on doing the will of Jesus’ Father in heaven?
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.
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mar. 6, 2011 (9A)
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
Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 11, Verses 18, 26-28, 32
1. Which of Christ’s words would you like to wear on your forehead, if you could? Which ones would you like to see and think about all day long and commit to your mind and heart?
2. Moses says where he wants his words to rest. Where is that? What does it have to do with binding them on your wrist and hanging them from your forehead?
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 31: 2-4, 17, 25
1. Our psalmist asks the Lord to 'incline your ear to me.' How do we obtain the Lord's attention and be sure that He lifts us up from the pit that we have fallen into?
2. The Psalm calls out to God to lead us and guide us. What is the best way for us to find out where God is leading us?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 3, Verses 21-25, 28
1. Where does St. Paul say the righteousness of God has been shown? Does the law help you to reach it? Is it given or do you have to struggle for it?
2. In this reading, Paul releases us from over-dependence on rules and regulations. How much do you rely on “the works of the law” to guide your life? What role do faith and love play?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 7, Verses 21-27
1. What is the solid foundation that you build your life on? What happens when hardship comes along: “rain and floods, and buffeting by the wind”? Could your foundation-stone be the words of Christ?
2. Where does choice fit in? Don’t you have a choice to build either on rock or on sand? Would your decision be based on doing the will of Jesus’ Father in heaven?
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.
Wednesday
"You cannot serve God and mammon."
The Gospel set before us this Sunday continues Christ's teaching as given in the Sermon on the Mount. The extract today is all about Divine Providence. In our modern consumerist society it is a teaching that is frequently neglected, even by devout Christians.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mar. 2, 2014 (8A)
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: Do we adore "Bling?" more than God?
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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 49, Verses 14-15
1. “The Lord has forsaken me.” When did Jesus say this? Why do you think he endured it? Can you relate to this misery? Is abandonment a feeling or a fact?
2. The second half of the reading is God’s response: comfort to the forsaken. How do you feel when God compares himself with a nursing mother? What do the two halves of this reading say to you when you put them together?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 62: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9
1. Why do you think the psalm stresses repeatedly the words 'alone' and 'only?' Is there any other alternative for us as a place to rest or a stronghold in our lives?
2. What do you think is meant by the verse, "I shall not be disturbed at all?" What is it that disturbs us in our lives and how do we deal with it?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 4, Verses 1-5
1. How do the motives of our hearts relate to being good stewards of the gospel? What do you think the motives of our hearts should be?
2. Compare “then everyone will receive praise from God,” from this reading with “but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given you besides,” from the Gospel.
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 6, Verses 24-34
1. Do you think the concern in this Gospel reading is about possessions or about inordinate attachment to them? What might you “seek” if you were not worrying about material things all the time?
2. Fr. John Shea suggests that this Gospel offers two scenarios: “(1) understand and inhabit your life as an anxious project for future physical survival or (2 ) understand and inhabit your life as a present gift sustained by God prior to any human activity to secure it.” What happens to the concerns of (1) if you choose (2)?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your thjoughts 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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Thursday
"If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 13, 2011 (6A)
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 Divorce a sin according to the Catholic 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 Sirach, Chapter 15, Verses 15-20
1. Which do you choose, life or death; good or evil? Do you always know which is which? Why did God give us free choice?
2. Are the “eyes of God are on those who fear him”? Does he “understand man’s every deed”? If so, shouldn’t we be frightened? Or is God one who forgives and loves even sinners?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 119: 1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
1. How is Jesus the fulfillment of the "law" referred to throughout the Psalm? (Refer to this week's opening Gospel verse Matthew 5:17)
2. What actions could you take to follow God's laws more closely? A daily examination of conscience, perhaps?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 2, Verses 6-10
1. Discuss the beautiful scene in nature that you like best, or your favorite painting, or your most preferred music. Take your time. Now read from the Second Reading what St. Paul tells us God has prepared for those who love him. Can you sense something of will be?
2. How is it that the Spirit can scrutinize the depths of God? Discuss ways in which the Spirit scrutinizes you.
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 17-37
1. The purpose of the law was given at Sinai: “You shall be holy as I am holy.” How does Jesus fulfill this law? Why would Jesus want to show us what it means to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect?” (Mt 5:48)
2. One of the ten commandments says “You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.” Is Jesus replacing this commandment when he says “Whoever is angry with brother will be liable to judgment”? How is it possible not to be angry? Will God forgive anger?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments below. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 13, 2011 (6A)
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 Divorce a sin according to the Catholic Church?
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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of Sirach, Chapter 15, Verses 15-20
1. Which do you choose, life or death; good or evil? Do you always know which is which? Why did God give us free choice?
2. Are the “eyes of God are on those who fear him”? Does he “understand man’s every deed”? If so, shouldn’t we be frightened? Or is God one who forgives and loves even sinners?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 119: 1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
1. How is Jesus the fulfillment of the "law" referred to throughout the Psalm? (Refer to this week's opening Gospel verse Matthew 5:17)
2. What actions could you take to follow God's laws more closely? A daily examination of conscience, perhaps?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 2, Verses 6-10
1. Discuss the beautiful scene in nature that you like best, or your favorite painting, or your most preferred music. Take your time. Now read from the Second Reading what St. Paul tells us God has prepared for those who love him. Can you sense something of will be?
2. How is it that the Spirit can scrutinize the depths of God? Discuss ways in which the Spirit scrutinizes you.
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 17-37
1. The purpose of the law was given at Sinai: “You shall be holy as I am holy.” How does Jesus fulfill this law? Why would Jesus want to show us what it means to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect?” (Mt 5:48)
2. One of the ten commandments says “You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.” Is Jesus replacing this commandment when he says “Whoever is angry with brother will be liable to judgment”? How is it possible not to be angry? Will God forgive anger?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments below. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
“You are the salt of the earth."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 6, 2011 (5A)
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 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 the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 58, Verses 7-10
1. What does binding the wounds of others have to do with your own wounds? Who benefits when people share their bread or shelter the homeless? Explain
2. What makes “your light break forth like the dawn?” In this reading does God say what will let this happen? Is it a new idea for you that there is a connection between your sorrow and those of another?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1. The Psalm talks about the 'just' person. How do we become 'just' in the eyes of the Lord?
2. The Psalm speaks about a gracious lender, one who conducts his affairs with justice, one who lavishly gives to the poor. According to the Psalm, what inspires us to have a generous heart?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 2, Verses 1-5
1. In human terms is there any way the crucifixion can triumph over sin and death? What allows us to see beyond appearances? Why did Paul want our faith to rest on the power of God instead of elaborate arguments?
2. Was Paul salt and light? How?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 13-16
1. Do salt, light, and a city set on a mountain have anything in common? Do they exist for themselves? What is Jesus saying to us with these metaphors? Could they relate to social justice? Explain
2. What determines the degree of saltiness or brightness? How would a person improve the quality or become more a person for others?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 6, 2011 (5A)
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 commandments require restitution?
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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 Isaiah, Chapter 58, Verses 7-10
1. What does binding the wounds of others have to do with your own wounds? Who benefits when people share their bread or shelter the homeless? Explain
2. What makes “your light break forth like the dawn?” In this reading does God say what will let this happen? Is it a new idea for you that there is a connection between your sorrow and those of another?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1. The Psalm talks about the 'just' person. How do we become 'just' in the eyes of the Lord?
2. The Psalm speaks about a gracious lender, one who conducts his affairs with justice, one who lavishly gives to the poor. According to the Psalm, what inspires us to have a generous heart?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 2, Verses 1-5
1. In human terms is there any way the crucifixion can triumph over sin and death? What allows us to see beyond appearances? Why did Paul want our faith to rest on the power of God instead of elaborate arguments?
2. Was Paul salt and light? How?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 13-16
1. Do salt, light, and a city set on a mountain have anything in common? Do they exist for themselves? What is Jesus saying to us with these metaphors? Could they relate to social justice? Explain
2. What determines the degree of saltiness or brightness? How would a person improve the quality or become more a person for others?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Wednesday
“Blessed are the poor in spirit"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 30, 2011 (4A)
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: Would you applaud after the homily?
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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 Zephaniah,
Chapter 2, Verse 3; Chapter 3, Verses 12-13
1. “Faithful remnant” means those who remain faithful in spite of great difficulties, bad example and poor leadership. How do people remain faithful with such obstacles? What helps you?
2. Discuss some of the places/things in which the rich might place their trust. Do you ever hope in such things? Which do you think engenders more trust, wealth or poverty? Explain.
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 146: 6-10
1. This week's Response is taken from Matthew 5:3 (the Beatitudes). How does the Psalm speak to what Jesus told his disciples that day as he taught them on the mountain?
2 . The Psalm talks about the 'oppressed', the 'hungry', the 'captives', the 'blind', those 'bowed down.' Where do you find yourself among these? Can you identify with any of these?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 26-31
1. The weak, the foolish and the lowly confound the strong, the wise and the strong. What does this mean to you? Can you give examples?
2. Is weakness a top priority for your country, or strength? For your work? For your social life?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 1-12a
1. Moses received the ten commandments on a mountain. Jesus gave the sermon on a mount. Compare and contrast
2. Does Jesus define his own life by the beatitudes? Do you think this is a lesson or an invitation? Why?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 30, 2011 (4A)
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: Would you applaud after the homily?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of the Prophet Zephaniah,
Chapter 2, Verse 3; Chapter 3, Verses 12-13
1. “Faithful remnant” means those who remain faithful in spite of great difficulties, bad example and poor leadership. How do people remain faithful with such obstacles? What helps you?
2. Discuss some of the places/things in which the rich might place their trust. Do you ever hope in such things? Which do you think engenders more trust, wealth or poverty? Explain.
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 146: 6-10
1. This week's Response is taken from Matthew 5:3 (the Beatitudes). How does the Psalm speak to what Jesus told his disciples that day as he taught them on the mountain?
2 . The Psalm talks about the 'oppressed', the 'hungry', the 'captives', the 'blind', those 'bowed down.' Where do you find yourself among these? Can you identify with any of these?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 26-31
1. The weak, the foolish and the lowly confound the strong, the wise and the strong. What does this mean to you? Can you give examples?
2. Is weakness a top priority for your country, or strength? For your work? For your social life?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 1-12a
1. Moses received the ten commandments on a mountain. Jesus gave the sermon on a mount. Compare and contrast
2. Does Jesus define his own life by the beatitudes? Do you think this is a lesson or an invitation? Why?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Thursday
"Behold, the Lamb of God"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 16, 2011 (2A)
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 bible verse anchors your personal spiritual life?
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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 Isaiah, Chapter 49, Verses 3, 5-6
1. What in this servant song will Jesus proclaim throughout his ministry?
2. What are some ways that we as Church can be a light to the emerging global family? What is one way you can be a light to your own family and extended family?
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-10
1. The Psalm says the Lord put a 'new song' into our mouths. What does this mean for each of us?
2. Our psalmist, David, says, 'To do your will is my delight.' How do we know what God's will is telling us to do?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses1-3
1. We are called to be holy. What does “holy” mean to you? How is John the Baptist a model of holiness?
2. In Luke’s report of Jesus’ baptism we hear about treatment of the poor. What does outrage at our neighbors’ poverty have to do with holiness?
Gospel
According to John, Chapter 1, Verses 29-34
1. What is important in this reading, the baptism of Jesus or the testimony of John that God’s plan to save the world would be worked out through Jesus?
2. Why was John so certain about Jesus when he said, “Behold the Lamb of God”? Was John watching for the Spirit? Do you watch for the Spirit in your life? Can you find and trust this Spirit of God?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 16, 2011 (2A)
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 bible verse anchors your personal spiritual life?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 49, Verses 3, 5-6
1. What in this servant song will Jesus proclaim throughout his ministry?
2. What are some ways that we as Church can be a light to the emerging global family? What is one way you can be a light to your own family and extended family?
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-10
1. The Psalm says the Lord put a 'new song' into our mouths. What does this mean for each of us?
2. Our psalmist, David, says, 'To do your will is my delight.' How do we know what God's will is telling us to do?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses1-3
1. We are called to be holy. What does “holy” mean to you? How is John the Baptist a model of holiness?
2. In Luke’s report of Jesus’ baptism we hear about treatment of the poor. What does outrage at our neighbors’ poverty have to do with holiness?
Gospel
According to John, Chapter 1, Verses 29-34
1. What is important in this reading, the baptism of Jesus or the testimony of John that God’s plan to save the world would be worked out through Jesus?
2. Why was John so certain about Jesus when he said, “Behold the Lamb of God”? Was John watching for the Spirit? Do you watch for the Spirit in your life? Can you find and trust this Spirit of God?
Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share below 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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