"But I tell you, if you do not repent."
The gospel passage this Sunday refers to two recent tragedies that were on people's minds. Pilate had ordered the massacre of some Galileans who had come to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices in the temple. And eighteen people had been killed when a tower at Siloam fell on them. Jesus that the victims of these tragedies were no greater sinners than other people were.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday in Lent, Mar. 3, 2013 (3LentC)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Can a mass murderer have a Catholic funeral?
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
1. Did God call Moses for Moses’ sake or for the sake of the Israelite people? Does God call each of us for the same reason(s)? Does “I Am Who Am” intervene in our history as he did in the Israelites’? Name some incidents that you think are or were God’s interventions.
2. Is God calling all of us all the time, either to conversion or to action? God warned Moses about Moses’s standing on holy ground. What made it holy? What is holy ground for you?
Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11
1. Our psalmist assures us that God in His compassion will redeem our life from the 'pit.' But we must do our part and show repentance. Describe how during Lent you are becoming kinder and more merciful to your family and your neighbors.
2. The Psalm inspires us to bless the Lord and 'forget not all His benefits.' Speak of your gratitude for the gifts you have received from God.
1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
1. Do one have to work at keeping a friendship alive and healthy? Does your answer have any implications about your relationship with God?
2. Are there opportunities for deeper conversion (turning more toward God), and productivity, that you could take advantage of? Are there some for your parish too?
1. In the book Diary of a Country Priest, George Bernanos wrote, “Grace is everywhere.” What does that statement mean to you? Do you always cooperate with such grace? Could you cooperate to a greater degree? How?
2. Do you give people another chance after they make a mistake? Does God use people as “gardeners” to help cultivate and fertilize others with grace? Does God use you in this way? Has God used others to help you bear fruit?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts on these Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.