Discussion Questions

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

F1. Is the honoring of parents the same as gratitude towards God? Explain your answer.

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 others? What kinds of things would disappear off the face of the earth?

S2. In his letter to the Colossians St. Paul gives some ideas about how we can love each other and live in harmony. Have compassion, kindness, humility, patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other—is this easy? How you doing with Paul’s assignment as Church? How are you doing with it in your life?

Gospel
Luke 2:22-40

1.  Does Joseph have second thoughts about leaving his job, dwelling, or possessions when the angel tells him to take Mary and flee to Egypt? What was the only thing that was important to the holy family? How far will you step out of your comfort zone for other people? Name some ways you can insure the safety or well being of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

2.  In his homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis points out that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees. Why would a savior arrive as a baby, when he could have come as a king? as a refugee? as homeless?

… Therefore, as we fix our gaze on the Holy Family of Nazareth as they were forced to become refugees, let us think of the tragedy of those migrants and refugees who are victims of rejection and exploitation, who are victims of human trafficking and of slave labour. 

… Jesus wanted to belong to a family who experienced these hardships, so that no one would feel excluded from the loving closeness of God. 

Pope Francis, Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, 
December 29, 2013

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University