Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 14, 2010 (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. Where in the Psalm do we find what the Gospel says is the 'wisdom in speaking' to answer our persecutors and make our adversaries powerless to resist or refute us.
2. What remedy does the Psalm provide that we will be able to withstand the Lord's coming and not be made 'stubble,' as Malachi warns us.
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 your reflections on the above Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. Click here to go to share your reflections online.
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