Discussion Questions for Sunday's Readings
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 16, 2009 (20B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Readings
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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 Proverbs, Chapter 9, Verses 1-6
1. What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Do you employ sensitivity and intuition along with knowledge when handling a difficult situation?
2. The lectionary uses this reading about a meal that brings us to the fullness of life. Our food becomes part of us and helps us grow and repairs our cells. What are the implications for Wisdom and the Eucharist?
Second Reading
Letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 5, Verses 15-20
1. “Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” What are some ways you can show love in your daily life other than greeting your unsuspecting neighbors with songs?
2. The reading tells us to give thanks always and everywhere. If giving thanks for painful situations is too difficult, what might be some other ways to handle them?
Gospel
According to John, Chapter 6, Verses 51-58
1. When people love each other they want to be together all the time. Explain “Whoever eats my flesh remains in me and I in him.” in this light. How many times did Jesus tell the crowd to do this in the present reading?
2. When we eat his body and drink his blood we all come together and remain in the same Jesus. discuss this statement from Catherine LaCugna’s God for Us: “God lives as the mystery of love. Human beings are created in the image of this God. Therefore, a life of integrity is impossible unless we also enter into the dynamic of love and communion with others.”
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By Anne Osdieck of the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
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