Discussion Questions
First Reading
Isaiah 22:19-23
F1. The Isaiah reading says, “He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” How can the Church act as father in the present racial, environmental and pandemic crises? What other qualities or virtues do you look for in Church leadership besides having a solid faith?
F2. “I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder. … ” In the Gospel Jesus tells Peter he will give him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. What might these keys unlock? Love? The depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God?
Second Reading
Romans 11:33-36
S1. “For who has known the mind of the Lord?” Are you good at recognizing the Lord in your life? Are you able to know where God is leading you, or what God is doing in your life?
S2. “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! … For from him and through him and for him are all things.” Every person, every race, every part of our environment comes from God. How can we thank or “give glory” to God for gifts such as these? By loving? By protecting?
Gospel
Matthew 16:13-20
G1. To answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am,” you have to know him. Which of the following could help you know Jesus:
music by Vivaldi
Michelangelo's David
a good homily
a good book
good friends
suffering
joy
successes
weaknesses
family
flowers
homeless people
Can you find (and get to know) God in all things?
G2. Discuss the following from Pope Francis
We come to know him “in the daily encounter with the Lord, each day. Through our victories and through our weaknesses.” …
We come to know Jesus … as disciples on the path of life, following behind him. … This is a work of the Holy Spirit, who is a great worker: he is not a union organizer, he is a great worker. And he is always at work in us: and he carries out this great work of explaining the mystery of Jesus, and of giving us the mind of Christ.
Meditation in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae
February 20, 2014
Anne Osdieck
**From Saint Louis University