"Prepare the way of the Lord."

We began the Advent Season last Sunday with a reading from Matthew's Gospel about the announcement of “the coming of the Son of Man”, also known as the Second Coming. The gospel reading summoned us to “stay awake”. This Sunday, again from Matthew (Matthew 3:1-12), we will hear John the Baptist proclaiming: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This is the high point of Advent - the kingdom that Jesus prayed for when He first came will be fully realized when He comes again. Maranatha!

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 5, 2010 (2AdvAC)
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: Did John the Baptist go straight to heaven upon his death?

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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 11, Verses 1-10

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 8, 2013 (2AdvAC)
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: Did John the Baptist go straight to heaven upon his 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
Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 11, Verses 1-10

1. “The earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord.” Von Balthasaar says this is a “drenching of the entire being with the inner understanding of what God is.” Discuss this idea. How does this relate to peace in the reading?

2. You received the gifts of the Holy Spirit in baptism: wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence and wonder and awe in the presence of God. How do these relate to the peace in your heart?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

1. This Sunday's Psalm speaks of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is to be endowed by God as a just King. Describe how you will make room for the Lord in your life so that He may govern how you conduct yourself this Advent season.

2. Our psalmist writes about the profound peace that will flourish when the Messiah arrives. Tell of how you will receive the Lord's peace during Advent and how this will affect your life.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 15, Verses 4-9

1. Would Paul be giving the same advice to the Church today that we read in this letter? For instance, do you welcome or accept others with whom you differ? According to Paul, how does God extend mercy to those who know nothing of the covenant?

2. There are people with whom you disagree. How easy is it to “think in harmony” with them? Why think in harmony with them instead of just going along with them, or being nice, or acting like you agree with them?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 3, Verses 1-12

1. Compare John’s baptism of repentance with Jesus’ baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. What is that fire? What does it do?

2. Is the fire within you a conflagration or does it look more like a pilot light? What can you do during Advent to gather some kindling for your fire?

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.

"Therefore, stay awake!"

Each of the lessons for this first Sunday in Advent, Dec. 1, 2013, talk of expectations for the future. And in each case it is while people are doing ordinary things – things like eating, drinking, marrying, working in the fields or grinding grain. These people are not described as doing anything wrong or bad, but are not living with awareness that the day of the Lord could come at any time. The clear message in this Gospel is: "Be ready" and "be prepared.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Advent, Dec. 1, 2013 (1AdvA)
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
Burning Question: Why Don't you Read the Bible?

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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 2, Verses 1-5

1. Come, listen to instruction, don’t fight. This was the mesage Isaiah proclaimed to all the people of Judah. How do these words pertain to you individually? What does it have to do with your own Advent preparation?

2. What words come to your mind when you think of “swords” and “spears”? or “plowshares”? Do you have the equivalent of swords and spears in your office, parish, or your own life? How does, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares” relate to you?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 122, Verses 1-9

1. Compare the Psalm with the 1st reading (Isaiah). What do they both say about our spiritual journey? How is peace to be achieved both with other nations and within ourselves?

2. How does the Psalm prepare us for that journey we must make at the end of our days on earth? What does the Psalm say we will obtain when we are present with the Lord?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 13, Verses 11-14

1. In all the places you live and work, is there some dimness that you can brighten with your Christ light?

2. In Advent we look backward to Christ’s first coming and forward to his next. This reading is about now. What is so important about now? Does Christ come now also?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 24, Verses 37-44

1. Advent is about Jesus coming to us. What can you do during this season to make him welcome?

2. Regarding social justice issues, does the Church need to rouse from its sleep? How about your parish? What about you?

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

"This is the King of the Jews."

In anticipation of the celebration of Christ the King, which marks the end of the Liturgical Year, we will hear Jesus’ prediction of the events that will occur prior to his glorious reign (Luke 21: 5-19). Here, he calls for perseverance and witnessing.


Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 24, 2013 (34C)
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
Burning Question: Why a "crucifix" for Catholics and a plain cross for Protestants?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 5, Verses 1-3

1. Compare Jesus and David as shepherds, anointed ones, and kings. What is the difference between their kingships?

2. The elders anointed David king of Israel after making an agreement with him before the Lord. Why was Jesus publicly proclaimed king on the cross?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5

1. Our Psalm speaks of a journey to the Lord's kingdom. What progress are you making along the way on your own journey to the Lord's holy city?

2. The psalmist mentions that he has set foot within the gates of Jerusalem. Describe your decision to walk the walk and go through the narrow gate that leads to redemption and a share in our Lord's inheritance.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verses 12-20

1. “For him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.” What does fullness mean to you? What parts of this fullness do you see in this or that neighbor of yours? What part do you want most to dwell in you?

2. “He is the image of the invisible God. All things in heaven and earth were created in him, through him and for him.” How is our environment a reflection of God? Is it sacred? Think of all the places you find goodness. Are they sacred? What is the goodness and beauty in your life saying to you about God?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 23, Verses 35-43

1. The good thief reached out to Jesus. How did Jesus respond? If you asked him to remember you in your struggles, what do you think he would say?

2. Is anyone reaching out to you like the thief did? How about at work, at home, in your parish, in the local community, in the world community? If so, what is your response?

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.

"By your perseverance you will secure your lives"

In anticipation of the celebration of Christ the King, which marks the end of the Liturgical Year, this Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, we will hear Jesus’ prediction of the events that will occur prior to his glorious reign (Luke 21: 5-19). Here, he calls for perseverance and witnessing.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 17, 2013 (33C)
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
Burning Question: Should Catholics join Protestant Bible Studies?

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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 3, Verses 19-20a

1. “Fear of the Lord,” one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, is now called “Wonder and Awe in the presence of God.” Compare and contrast these two images. Which do you prefer? Which image gives you a better understanding of this reading?

2. Name some ways that justice heals. Is there any kind of healing through justice you would like to bring about in the world?

Responsorial Psalms
Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9

1. The Psalm speaks about the Day of the Lord, when He will come to rule the earth with justice. Are you ready for the Lord's coming?   Speak about how you are preparing for it.

2. Our psalmist writes about those who dwell in the world shouting for joy before the Lord, when He comes to rule the earth. Explain how you will sing praise to the Lord and sing joyfully before the King, the Lord.
Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians,
Chapter 3, Verses 7-12

1. According to Paul the Thessalonians were disorderly busybodies, always eating each other’s food. How does your community/family/parish stack up next to them? How would you have written Paul’s letter? How do you think your community would receive it?

2. What drove St. Paul to “work in toil and drudgery, night and day?” He had pen and paper, boats, and walking shoes. What helps would Paul have had access to today to aid him in his ministry? What do you think his ministry would have looked like with these aids? What do you do to help bring about the kingdom?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 21, Verses 5-19

1. Do you think persecution is a rare occurrence or an ever-present reality for the Church? Why? Where are Christians being persecuted today? Do you think God uses your suffering in conjunction with Christ’s to help renew the face of the earth?

2. What gifts does God give you to help you get through tough times?

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

"Today salvation has come to this house"

In the Sunday Gospel for Nov. 3, 2013, Zacchaeus demonstrated his love for Jesus by making an effort to see him. For his part, Jesus demonstrated His love for Zacchaeus in particular, and for all men in general, by inviting himself to stay at Zacchaeus' house. What a marvelous exchange! Love for love!

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 3, 2013 (31C)
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
Burning Question: Why do we pray for the dead?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 11, Verses 22-26; Chapter 12, Verses 1-2

1. “For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made.” What things do you think of when you hear this? God’s attitude toward every created thing is love. What is your attitude? How do you show reverence for creation? For your neighbor?

2. This reading is about God’s transcendence (God beyond our limits or so far above us). At the same time it is about God’s imminence (“Your Spirit is in all things,” He pitched his tent among us, God with us, at home with us). How do you feel about God when you think of these two attributes?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14

1. Our psalmist asks us (His faithful ones) to speak of God's might and discourse of the glory of God's kingdom.Give an example of how you have complied with our psalmist's appeals.

2. We are assured by the Psalm that the Lord lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Share how your faith has been strengthened by any hardships you may have undergone.

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians,
Chapter 1, Verses 11-12; Chapter 2, Verses 1-2

1. When you are “shaken out of your mind” on your spiritual journey, do you think God can use your fellow believers or even non-believers to help you out? Give some examples of how this might work.

2. Paul wanted the Thessalonians to know that he was constantly praying for them. Does it help you to know people are praying for you? Explain. Does it help you to pray for people? Why?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 19, Verses 1-10

1. Was it out of the ordinary for a man to climb a tree in order to see? Was it out of the ordinary for a holy man to go to a “sinner’s” house for dinner? Was it ordinary for someone repenting to give half of all his possessions to the poor? How do you explain this? What extreme or extraordinary behavior does knowing Jesus Christ elicit from you?

2. Zacchaeus used the tree to observe Jesus. What would you do if you wanted to “see” where the Holy Spirit is and what it is doing in the world today?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Share your reflections on the comments sectoin below. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled"

One of Luke's favorite themes, the reversal brought about by the coming of Jesus, is beautifully illustrated in the Sunday Gospel (30C) for Oct. 27, 2013. The story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is directed to a particular kind of people: those who were law-abiding in their own eyes but who looked down on everyone else. 

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 27, 2013 (30C)
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
Burning Question: What is conscience?

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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 35, Verses 12-14, 16-18

1. “The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds.” How are the orphan, widow and oppressed mentioned in the reading, lowly or humble? Name some people you know who fit this description. What does humility look like on them? How is your humility; are you honest with God?

2. Do you do anything when you hear the cry of the oppressed, the wail of the orphan or the widow’s complaint? Is there something you could do that you are not doing now, to help anyone in need?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

1. The Psalm tells us that God lifts up those who are crushed in spirit. However difficult it may be for us to be humble in spirit, we can speak of how gratifying it is for us to depend solely on the Lord for our salvation. Tell of what this means to you personally.

2. The verses of the Psalm tell us how to be sure that our prayers are heard. Our psalmist encourages us to have a right relationship with the Lord before we pray. What is it that you do to be sure that your prayers reach the ears of the Lord?

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Chapter 4, Verses 6-8, 16-18

1. Do you feel like you are being “poured out like a libation” sometimes, or that everyone has deserted you? What do you think Paul did to combat these feelings in himself? What do you think would help you?

2. Paul was rescued from the lion’s mouth and he trusted that he would be safe from every evil threat. What are the evil threats to the Church? What are threats to you? How is your trust?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 18, Verses 9-14

1. If you were in God’s place, what kind of prayers would you answer first? Is the Pharisee saying the prayer to God or to himself?

2. The Pharisee set himself off from the rest of humanity. Are you like him in any way? Do you set yourself apart from others? In what way? And, are there ways you are like the tax collector?

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.

"Pray always without becoming weary"

Last Sunday, we learned through a “foreigner” that faith not only heals but also saves. This Sunday, October 20, 2013, in our Gospel reading from Luke 18:1-8, Our Lord gives us the example of a widow who - in faith - perseveres in prayer and thereby obtains what she asks for.



Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 20, 2013 (29C)
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
Burning Question: What does "pray without ceasing" mean?

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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 Exodus, Chapter 17, Verses 8-13

1. Could Moses have kept his hands raised (or “prayed constantly”) without the help of his friends? Can you relate to this story in any way? Discuss ways you can let friends support you when you can’t manage something by yourself. And how about you: whom do you support spiritually?

2. In this reading some people were at battle and some were at prayer. The outcome of the battle was determined by the prayer. How important do you think prayer is to the success of your ministry?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 121: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

1. Our psalmist says that the Lord is beside you at your right hand. Speak of what it is that reassures you of the Lord's protection on your journey.

2. The Psalm is about the power of prayer and of trust in the Lord. Give an example of how you have persisted in prayer and obtained the Lord's help in overcoming difficulty.

Second Reading
Letter to Timothy Chapter 3, Verses 14-17, Chapter 4, Verses 1-2

1. What task does Paul lay on you in this reading? What instruction book does he give you to carry out the task?

2. Is proclaiming the Word of God central to all the activities of the Church? To your parish? To your life? How do you proclaim the Word of God in your work?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 18, Verses 1-8

1. Jesus Christ is telling the story. What does he want to make clear to you about petitioning God? Discuss this statement: “When you pray for rain, take an umbrella” (Fr. Paul Coutino).

2. Jesus promises that God will answer our prayers speedily. Does that help your confidence? How does faith relate to persistence? How does this Gospel make you feel?

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