Discussion Questions for Sunday's Readings 
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (22A), August 31, 2008
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University


SUNDAY READINGS

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

First Reading
Jeremiah, Chapter 20, Verses 7-9

1. Jeremiah could not ignore the call to prophecy, even though it brought him much suffering. Do you think there are other people who have had similar experiences? What social and economic structure of oppression are you unable to ignore?

2. Would your first inclination be to avoid suffering if possible? Is it humanly possible to avoid all suffering? Are there some good “by-products” of suffering?


Second Reading
Romans, Chapter 12, Verses 1-2

1. If you share in the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ, as the Vatican II documents say, how do your sufferings help the mission of the People of God in the world?

2. How can your living be a sacrifice for, and a sermon to the world? What “sermon” will you give this week?

Gospel
Matthew, Chapter 16, Verses 21-27

1. Jesus says, “lose your life for my sake and you will find it.” What does he mean by the phrase, “find your life”? Does this “finding” apply to this life as well as the next?

2. Can you take your money and possessions with you when you die? If you “lose your life” out of love for others, what do you take with you? Can you take the love in your heart?


------------------------------------------------------
By Anne Osdieck of the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University 
------------------------------------------------------