"But I say to you, love your enemies"

On Sunday, February 23, 2014, we will conclude our reflection on the Sermon on the Mount with Jesus’ exhortation: “Be perfect as your heaven Father is perfect.” As we will see later, perfection has been God’s design and will for man from the beginning.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 23, 2014 (7A)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
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First Reading
Book of Leviticus, Chapter 19, Verses 1-2, 17-18

1. One way the Lord says to love your neighbor is “You shall not bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart . . . cherish no grudge against any of your people.” Is this an easy thing to do? Have you tried it? Will you try again?

2. If we all “loved our neighbors as ourselves” do you think there would be wars, prisons, hunger and poverty? Discuss.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

1. This week we are asked to love the 'unlovable' in our lives. How does the Psalm inspire us to be able to do this?

2. The Psalm says that the Lord 'crowns' us with kindness and compassion. How does this enable us to imitate the Lord?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 3, Verses 16-23

1. St. Paul says that “the Spirit of God dwells in you.” When do you remember this? When you have important decisions to make? When you are in serious trouble? When good things happen? Not very often? Will this reading cause you to make changes regarding this issue?

2. In the reading what does Paul say makes you holy? What will happen if anyone destroys you? And, is your neighbor holy too? If this is so, how do you treat the people in your life?.

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 38-48

1. How do you feel about turning the other cheek when someone strikes you on the right cheek? Why would Jesus tell us to “Love your enemies?” Did he show us how to love our enemies? What far was he willing to go for them?

2. What do you think praying for those who persecute you might do for you? Would it be easy to do it? What might help?

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“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Our gospel for this Sunday narrates the start of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee: “He left Nazareth and made home in Capernaum by the lake in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali” (Matthew 4:12-23). After John was arrested, Jesus withdrew into this land that historically had known great danger and grave sorrow. Later, we will know how providential this was.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 26, 2014 (3A)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

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BQ: Can we who are sinful be part of Jesus’ mission?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
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First Reading
Book of the Prophet Isaiah,
Chapter 8, Verse 23; Chapter 9, Verses 1-3

1. Matthew quotes Isaiah’s passage about this half-Jewish, half-Gentile, obscure, gloomy region of the world. What is he telling us? Is it God’s common practice to use the small or humble to announce the glorious and profound? If so, name some other instances.

2. Why does the Church use the same passage that we hear at Christmas now during Ordinary Time? Is there a Christmas message that you like to think about all year? What is that message?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

1. What does Verse 13 of the Psalm mean to you? ("I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.")

2.  Verse 1 of the Psalm says, "The Lord is my life's refuge;" How have you made the Lord your life's refuge?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 10-13, 17

1. Is Paul talking about quarreling to the Corinthians or to your parish? If Paul fixed this problem in his time with his message why do we still have the problem today?

2. There will always be disagreements. Is there a way to handle them so that good or growth could come out of them? How?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 4, Verses 12-23

1. What human need do you see Jesus exhibiting in the second half of this gospel story? Why were friends important to him? Why is the community important to Christianity?

2. What was Peter’s and Andrew’s response time? How fast is your response time when you are inspired to do something for your neighbor, e.g. to give time or money to the earthquake victims?


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“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?"

On Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, we stretch still farther the celebration of Christmas with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. An “epiphany” is an appearance, a manifestation. In our readings for the Holy Mass (Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6, Matthew 2:1–12) with their rising stars, splendid lights and revealed mysteries, the face of the Child born on Christmas day appears and is made known throughout the world. The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13) aptly describes the Epiphany with this acclamation: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Jan. 5, 2014 (EpiphanyA)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

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BQ: Why do we say the Rosary at Catholic funerals?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
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First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 60, verses 1-6

1. Even though darkness covered the earth, light and glory had come to Jerusalem. Isaiah wanted to make the Israelites take notice .Do you notice God’s actions in your life?

2. Does Jerusalem have light of her own? Are nations coming to her light or to the Christ-light? What do you think draws people to the Church today?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

1. The Psalm says that 'profound peace' will flower when our newborn King arrives. Speak of what this verse means to you and how you gain inner peace and strength from the arrival of our Savior.

2. Our psalmist writes that the King will save the lives of the poor and rescue the afflicted. Give an example of how you have been healed by our Lord physically, spiritually, or emotionally.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 3, Verses 2-3, 5-6

1. Just what was this manifestation that brightened the whole world? Why was a star an integral part of the story?

2. “It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed…by the Spirit.” When did people first learn that God wanted to save all creation and not just a chosen people? Do you think God planned to keep this a secret or do you think God reveals things to people little by little? How does God work in your life?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12

1. God sent the Magi a message, and they rode their camels across half the known world. What would cause you to put forth effort like this? What made the search worth it for them? For you?

2. Compare Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Compare Herod and the Magi. What does this say about the places and people God chooses?
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Please share below your thoughts on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.

"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

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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,
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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  
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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,
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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?

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"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

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Burning Question: Why Don't you Read the Bible?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
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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?

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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

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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,
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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?

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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

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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?

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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.