Discussion Questions

First Reading

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

F1. We find David embarrassed because he is living in a beautiful dwelling while God’s residence is in “a tent.” He makes plans to build a beautiful house for the Lord. Where might God dwell in today’s world? And in the Church?

F2. Compare what David wants to give God with what God has done and promises to do for David. Can you relate to “receiving much more than you give”? What happens to you when you open up to God just a bit?

Second Reading

Romans 16:25-27

S1. What was the “mystery kept secret for long ages”? Do you think it was really a secret or possibly was not understood fully until God came to earth? What does the Incarnation reveal to you about God?

S2. This letter from Paul says that God’s saving plan is for “all nations.” If these believed his message, what would happen to conflict between nations, global poverty and hunger, social injustice, and agreement of countries to care for creation? Is there anything you can do to brighten up some of this darkness?

Gospel

John 1:6-8, 19-28

G1. Why would an infinite God wait for a human “yes” in order to enter the human race? Why didn’t he just come on his own? Can you relate to Mary’s unconditional “yes” to God, or is your yes conditional? Will God come take up residence in your life if you ask?

G2. Did Mary hesitate or ask for time to think about the situation before answering “yes” to Gabriel? Even though she was uncertain did she trust God to take care of whatever her “yes” would bring? What can we learn from that? What can we as a Church learn?

How often—let us think of ourselves no —how often our life is made up of postponements, even the spiritual life! For example, I know it is good for me to pray, but today I do not have time … “tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.” We postpone things: I will do it tomorrow. I know it is important to help someone—yes, I must do it: I will do it tomorrow. It is the same chain of tomorrows ... postponing things. Today, on the threshold of Christmas, Mary invites us not to postpone, to say “yes”: “Do I have to pray?—Yes—and I pray. “Do I have to help others —Yes.” “How shall I do it?”—I do it. Without putting it off. Every “yes” costs something; every “yes” does have its cost, but it still costs less than what that courageous “yes” cost her, that prompt “yes”, that “let it be to me according to your word,” which brought us salvation.

Angelus for 4 Adv B
Pope Francis 2020

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University