Discussion Questions

First Reading

Isaiah 11: 1-10

1. In baptism you receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, mentioned in this reading: wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence and wonder and awe in the presence of God. If we used these gifts would we be able solve problems like hunger? Homelessness? Climate change? Gun control? New directions in the Church? How could the use of the gifts end the war in Ukraine?

2. “The earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord,” Von Balthasar says this is “the drenching of the entire being with the inner understanding of what God is.” Discuss this idea. How does this relate to peace in the reading?

Second Reading

Romans 15: 4-9

1. John O’Malley, SJ: “Pope Francis is continuously pushing us beyond the comforts of our religious boundaries to encounter the one human family.” Would St. Paul be giving the same advice to the Church today that we read in this reading: “I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs”

2. There are people with whom you disagree. How easy is it to “think in harmony” with them? Why would you think this way instead of just going along with such people, or being nice, or acting like you agree with them?

Gospel

Matthew 3:1-12

1. Judging by John’s appearance (clothing of camel’s hair, a leather belt around his waist, eating locusts and wild honey) would you guess his cry was lukewarm, or a cry from his heart that called for life-altering change? How would you respond to him? Is the fire within you a conflagration or does it look more like the pilot light? What can you do during Advent to gather some kindling for your fire?

2. Does John the Baptist fit into any spiritual leader category you know? According to Pope Francis, if we lock ourselves in the traditions of the past, what might we miss? Might there be “new paths” to solve old problems in our world and our Church?

In face of the birth of his son, Zechariah was incredulous because natural laws made it impossible; they were old; they were elderly. Consequently, the Lord left [Zechariah] dumb during the whole time of gestation. It’s a sign. But God doesn’t depend on our logic and our limited human capacities. It’s necessary to learn to trust and be silent in face of God’s mystery and to contemplate His work in humility and silence, who reveals Himself in history and who so often exceeds our imagination. …

Fight the temptation to lock oneself in ways and traditions of the past, as a possible solution to today’s crisis. Rather, follow Saint Paul’s teaching to go on the liberating and ever new path of Jesus crucified and resurrected.

Do not lock yourselves in the traditions of the past
Pope Francis, June 23, 2021

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University