Discussion Questions

First Reading

Job 7:1-4, 6-7

F1. Do you feel like Job feels in this reading, at least sometimes? Why do you think God allows suffering? Can you still have trust in God even if you don't understand why God allows people to suffer?

F2. Could God have redeemed the world by saying a word, breathing on that world, or sending his son merely to be with us? Why do you think God chose a suffering Messiah to redeem humankind?

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

S1. What drove Paul to say he would do anything for the sake of the gospel? Is there a passion that drives you to the things you do?

S2. St. Paul said, “I have become all things to all, to save at least some.” Do you think he would agree with Pope Francis’ statement below? Why?

Humility, meekness, becoming all things to everyone and also—but this is not written in the Bible—all of us know that to do these things you have to swallow so many toads [of pride]. … But, we must do it because peace is made like this: with humility, humiliation, searching always to see in the other the image of God. … To humble ourselves, and make bridges, always. Always. And this is what it means to be Christian. … It is not easy. It is not easy, but Jesus did it: he humbled himself until the end, he has shown us the way.”

 Daily Homily, Jan 24th, 2014

Gospel

Mark 1:21-28

G1. Do you think this text was written to tell people about Jesus as a miracle worker? Could the miracles be a confirmation of Jesus’ message of salvation? What did he say was the “purpose for which he came”?

G2. “Everyone is looking for you.” Is that statement as true now as it was then, with all of our own “demons and various diseases”? E.g. Covid? Prejudice? Climate crisis? Unemployment?

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University