"Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?"

This Sunday we begin a five week discussion about the food that Jesus gives us. The Gospel begins the Sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, the chapter on the Bread of Life.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 29, 2012 (17B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Eucharist? Communion? Which is it?

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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
2 Kings 4:42-44

1. Twenty loaves won’t be enough to feed the crowd. Elisha knows this. He has to trust God over his own logic. Is this leap-of-faith kind of trust ever required in your life? Discuss whether this kind of trust becomes easier with practice.

2. Both Elisha and the man from Baal-shalishah had to trust that a miracle would happen. Do you consider anything besides “something that breaks the laws of nature” a miracle? What are some everyday miracles in your life?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 145: 10-11, 15-16, 17-18

1. The Psalm Response this Sunday is, "The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs." Tell of the ways you are being fed by the Lord, spiritually, and physically.

2. Our psalmist says, "The Lord is near to all who call upon him ...." Explain how you have reached out to the Lord and how He is present to you.

Second Reading
Ephesians 4:1-6

1. Paul reminds the brothers and sisters to “strive to preserve unity.” Was this a directive only for the Ephesians? What do you do to preserve unity?

2. Which would be better, to preserve the peace by not talking to anyone with whom we disagree, or preserve the unity by staying at the table and talking it out?

Gospel
John 6:1-15


1. Perhaps Jesus’ sharing encouraged all the others to share their food…the first potluck. What negative qualities in human nature does sharing go against? Using this interpretation of the feeding of 5000, what are the implications regarding the inequality of resources and starvation all over the world?

2. What do you think God is more likely to do, miraculously drop food where there is starvation or inspire people to help their neighbors solve their problems? If the latter, how can you help (through the Holy Spirit) in third world countries, your city, diocese, parish, office, or neighborhood?

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

"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 22, 2012 (16B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What is the Communion of Saints?

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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
Jeremiah 23:1-6

1. In this First Reading the Lord speaks to the bad shepherds (leaders of his people). What are the priorities or values of a shepherd whose sheep tremble and fear? What are the priorities and values of a good shepherd?

2. Imagine that you are a caretaker of people like a shepherd is for sheep. What can you do about the fear people experience all over the world due to injustice? Can you do anything to remedy any of the injustice? Is there anything you can do about unfair situations in your own town?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 23: 1-3, 3-4, 5, 6

1. Our Psalm speaks of the Lord as our shepherd. Do you believe you are one of His sheep? What does it mean to be counted among His flock?

2. Our psalmist says that the Lord anoints his head with oil. Are you one of the Lord's anointed? Describe how the Lord is using you as one of His anointed.

Second Reading
Ephesians 2:13-18

1. Paul was a Jew preaching to Gentiles and also a Christian preaching to Jews. There were a lot of barriers or dividing walls as Paul calls them. Discuss dividing walls present today among peoples of different beliefs, races or cultures.

2. What are the dividing walls in the Church today? Which ones seem most impenetrable to you? Using this Second Reading as a guide, what might people do who would like to resolve their differences, or break down walls that divide them?

Gospel
Mark 6:30-34

1. What does Jesus do in this Gospel story that is an example of good shepherding? Discuss compassion versus power as attributes of leadership.

2. In the the First Reading (Jeremiah 23:3) God makes this touching statement: ”I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow.” Discuss the relation of that promise from God to the following description of Jesus from the Gospel : “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).

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

"So they went off and preached repentance."

The point we must consider from this Sunday's Gospel is that Jesus did not send out His apostles individually. He sent them in pairs. This means our religious lives are both individual and communal at the same time.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 15, 2012 (15B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Why don't Catholics evangelize door-to-door?

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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
Amos 7:12-15

1. How do you feel about rejection? Can you think of any prophet who didn’t experience rejection? They chased Amos out of Bethel. What do you do when you think something needs to be done that makes everyone uncomfortable?

2. Amos points out to Amaziah that he was a shepherd and it wasn’t his idea to be a prophet anyway. Are education, occupation, eloquence, talent or intelligence prerequisites for a prophet? Then what is necessary? If you were called to be a prophet, would you be as reluctant as Amos was?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14

1. Our psalmist speaks of, 'Glory dwelling in our land;' and says that the Lord's salvation is 'near indeed' to those who fear him. These verses suggest that our Savior is close at hand and accessible to all of us who fear Him. Describe how our Savior is present to you.

2. The Psalm says, 'The Lord himself will give His benefits.' Tell of the benefits you are receiving from the Lord.

Second Reading
Ephesians 1:3-14 or Ephesians 1:3-10

1. How has God lavished his grace on you this year? This week? Today?

2. Think of ways the Holy Spirit is active in your life, guiding, fixing, enlightening, giving courage. The Holy Spirit is the “first installment of our inheritance,” Saint Paul says. When you make the first payment on your mortgage, do you own a small part of your house? How might this idea relate to St. Paul’s statement about the Holy Spirit being the first installment on our inheritance?

Gospel
Mark 6:7-13

1. Evangelizing means bringing the Good News to all humanity and through its influence to make humanity new, to transform it from within. How can you transform humanity around you in your daily life?

2. Jesus instructs his disciples to be unencumbered. Why is detachment (“no food, no sack, no money….”) so important to evangelization? How cluttered are your heart and mind? If the clutter limits God’s space in your life, what can you dispose of? Do you think the Twelve were given what they needed?

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

"Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary?"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 8, 2012 (14B)

From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What is freedom? What does it mean to you?

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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
Ezekiel 2:2-5

1. Are there prophets in your life? Are you sometimes stubborn and closed about listening to their messages? Why? Why do you reject the person or the message?

3. Do you think the ordinary prophet has great success or runs into opposition most of the time? Have you and/or your ideas ever been rejected when you tried to change something for the better? How do you handle rejection?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 123: 1-2, 2, 3-4

1. Our psalmist calls for us to fix our eyes on the Lord. Describe how you focus on the Lord in your faith journey. Tell how you are able to discern God's will for your life.

2. Our psalmist says he is fed up, having been the object of contempt and mockery from the arrogant ones around him. Even Jesus was mocked in his native village. Tell of how you deal with insult and persecution when you proclaim the Gospel.

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 12:7-10


1. If you went out shopping for weaknesses or crosses for you to bear, would you pick the ones you already have or would you pick different ones? Why? Do you find God in your weakness? Can weakness be a constant source of grace?

2. “My grace is sufficient for you.” Do you or your friends rely on these words? Are they easy or hard to remember? How often do you bring them out and use them?

Gospel
Mark 6:1-6

1. Which hurts worse, rejection by strangers or friends? Call to mind the times Jesus felt rejection. Was Jesus happy about his rejection or distressed? Can you think of theologians, saints, or scientists who were rejected for their ideas?

2. How is your rejection related to that of Jesus? When you are denounced, what good thing happens to you? Whose power are you using when you have no power of your own?

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

"Little girl, I say to you, arise!"

In the Readings for Sunday, July 1, 2012, Jairus, the Synagogue official was in a panic.  His little 12 year old daughter was dying.  The worst possible thing a parent can experience was about to take place. He pleaded with Jesus.  Jesus rushed with him to care for the girl. We encourage you to engage your family, friends or church groups and talk about this. And please do use these Discussion Questions as your Bible study guide.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 1, 2012 (13B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Do you Cry at Funerals? Why?

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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
Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24

1. “For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him.” What in humankind’s nature is made in God’s own image? Is it true of all of humankind or just Christians?

2. God’s love and presence transform all of human existence, says theologian Karl Rahner. Discuss this statement of his: “Humans remain always graced by an inner dynamism thrusting toward the God who calls and gives Godself.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13

1. Our psalmist praises God for having rescued him and brought him 'up from the netherworld.' Tell about how you have been saved from your enemies, the devil and his companions.

2. The Psalm says that the anger of the Lord lasts but a moment. Have you been rebuked by the Lord? If so, what did you learn from this, and in what way are you grateful for being corrected by the Lord?

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15


To which do you think the myriad poor people in the world respond better, a wealthy God or a poor God? Explain. With which do you feel more comfortable? Why?

2. How do you feel when you share some of your gifts or wealth with those less fortunate? Ask yourself what your own real wealth might be.

Gospel
Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

1. The woman with the hemorrhage had a condition unacceptable to the culture of the time. What did she risk when she joined the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment? What did Jairus risk? Does your faith involve you in risk-taking? Explain.

2. Are there still people today who are shunned because of diseases? Are women still oppressed in harsh cultures? Do children die because of malnutrition and disease in third–world countries? What kinds of miracles or what small acts can you perform in Jesus’ name to alleviate the suffering?

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

"John is his name."

In the Readings for Sunday, June 24, 2012, we hear the story of the birth of John the Baptist. We encourage you to engage your family, friends or church groups and talk about this. And please do use these Discussion Questions as your Bible study guide.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist,
June 24, 2012 (JBaptistB)
 
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Readings - Vigil Mass
Sunday Readings - Mass duruing the day
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Did John the Baptist go to heaven right after death?

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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
Isaiah 49:1-6

1. This reading is about the servant Israel who was chosen to be a beacon for all nations to see and be drawn back to God. Explain why this reading was chosen for today.

2. “For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb.” The servant in this reading was called by God before he was born. Do you think God knew you before you were born? Do you think God will be with you as you make all your life choices? How might you be part of the plan to help salvation reach the ends of the earth?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 139: 1-3, 13-15

1. Our Psalm response is, "I praise you, for I am wonderfully made." Do you believe that you are created by God to do His will, that you are made for a purpose? Explain.

2. Our psalmist says, "O Lord, you have probed me, you know me." We cannot hide anything from our God; He is familiar with all our ways. Are you convicted by these words? Are there sins you commit that you would prefer to keep in the dark, or on a side porch, away from God's knowledge? In what way are you grateful for the scrutiny of the Lord?

Second Reading
Acts 13:22-26
1. Repentance draws people back into right relationship with God. How is John’s baptism of repentance different from Jesus’ baptism of the Holy Spirit?

2. What in this reading tells you John was a humble man? Did John direct people’s attention to himself or to Jesus? What was John’s whole life and ministry about? What is your ministry about?

Gospel
Luke 1:57-66, 80

1. Was John chosen before he was born, as was the servant in the first reading? Zachariah doubted Gabriel’s words that Elizabeth would bear a son. How are you with insights from the Holy Spirit? Do you trust them? Do you act on them or dismiss them?

2. Compare Jesus’ and John’s birth announcements by the angels. John was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. Judging by his actions when he came out of the desert, what do you think he was doing while he was in the desert? Anthony de Mello, S.J. said “Peace is only found in yes.” In light of Zachariah’s experience, can you explain de Mello’s words?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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"For we walk by faith, not by sight"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 17, 2012 (11B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday 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
Ezekiel 17: 22-24

1. What are the similarities between the “tender shoot” in this parable and the mustard seed in the Gospel? “Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs.” What do you think of when you read this?

2. Jesus referred to the “least” becoming the “greatest” numerous times. How is Jesus’ life an example of this? Can you think of others who follow(ed) this example?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16

1. "Lord, you are holy indeed. It is right to give you thanks and praise .... " are familiar words to any Mass-goer. How do you sincerely give thanks to the Lord in your daily life?

2. How can you become more like the upright palm tree or the majestic and firmly-rooted Lebanese cedar? Do others see you as a just and righteous person through your everyday speech and actions? What can you change about yourself so that you, too, can "bear fruit even in old age?"

Second Reading
Corinthians 5: 6-10


1. “Walk by faith, and not by sight.” What does that mean to you? Paul mentions courage twice in this reading. Why would we need courage to walk by faith? What other virtues might we need?

2. Discuss Hans von Balthasar’s comment on this reading: “Paul’s confidence is constant, regardless of the current spiritual weather patterns in his life or in that of his congregation. ‘We walk by faith.’”

Gospel
Mark 4:26-34

1. What is the farmer’s job in both of these parables? What is God’s job? Could you ask yourself the same two questions about your ministry…your job and God’s job? Can you trust God to do God’s job?

2. While the man sleeps and rises night and day the seed sprouts and grows, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Are such accomplishments due to human beings, technology or the rules of the Kingdom of God?

Sunday Bible Study Group

Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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