Discussion Questions for Sunday's Readings 
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time A
June 1, 2008
By Anne Osdieck of 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
Deuteronomy, Chapter 11, Verses 18, 26-28, 32

1. The custom of binding words at the wrist as a sign and hanging them as a pendant on the forehead were associated with covenants in Israel. Which of Christ’s words would you like to wear on your forehead? Or keep somewhere that you could see them and think about them all day? And commit them to your mind and heart?

2. Where does Moses want this covenant (which he calls “these words of mine”) to reside? Compare and contrast words from the mouth and words in the heart.


Second Reading
Romans, Chapter 3, Verses 21-25, 28

1. Can you earn redemption? Are you redeemed because you conform to the law and perform its works? Or if you can’t earn redemption then how do you get it?

2. How open are you to receiving the gifts God wants to give you? How do the works of the law fit in to the covenant? From what do our works flow?


Gospel
Matthew, Chapter 7, Verses 21-27

1. What grounds you? What is the solid foundation you build on? If faith in Christ is your foundation, what happens when hardship comes along: “rain and floods, and buffeting by the wind”?

2. What about choice? Do you have a choice to build on rock or sand? If so, do you choose discipleship?