Discussion Questions

First Reading

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 or Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3

F1. According to Pope Francis, how can it be a missionary activity for our family to “race” around?

Here too, we can ask: how do we keep our faith as a family? Do we keep it for ourselves, in our families, as a personal treasure like a bank account, or are we able to share it by our witness, by our acceptance of others, by our openness? We all know that families, especially young families, are often “racing” from one place to another, with lots to do.  But did you ever think that this “racing” could also be the race of faith? Christian families are missionary families. … They are missionary also in everyday life, in their doing everyday things, as they bring to everything the salt and the leaven of faith! Keeping the faith in families and bringing to everyday things the salt and the leaven of faith.

Homily for the Family Day Year of Faith 
Saint Peter's Square
Sunday, 27 October 2013

F2. Why do you think Sirach says that good things happen to you when you honor your parents (prayers heard, sins atoned, long life, made happy by children)?

Second Reading

Colossians 3:12-21 or Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

S1. “Over all these put on love.” What is the only thing God asks of us? What happens to people when they are loved? What would the world be like if everyone really loved each other person? What kinds of things would disappear off the face of the earth? Hunger? Poverty? Injustice? Execution? Climate destruction?

S2. Is a family a good place to learn to forgive and be forgiven? To step outside of yourself and accept others? In Colossians St Paul gives some ideas about how we can love each other and live in harmony: “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” Is this easy? How are you doing with it in your life?

Gospel

Luke 2:22-40

G1.  Luke mentions the Spirit three times when speaking of Simeon. Through the Spirit Simeon recognized Jesus as the glory of Israel and the light to the rest of the world. Do you let the same Spirit who lives in you help you recognize Jesus in your daily life? How?

G2. Before “They returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth” (Luke 2:39), Matthew recounts the story of Joseph fleeing to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape the wrath of Herod (Mt 2:14). Did the Holy Family experience what the Christian Syrian refugees recently experienced as they left their country by the thousands, targeted by militant enemies?

Anne Osdieck

 

**From Saint Louis University