Discussion Questions

First Reading

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

F1. Did Jonah run away from Yahweh when he was called? Can you relate to that sometimes? Were both Jonah and Jesus calling people to conversion and to doing good? Were these announcements intended for every nation and every person on earth?

F2. What was God looking for in the Ninevites? Does God call you to conversion just once or over and over again? If you were Jonah today what message would you take to all the people causing any kind of suffering or injustice?

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

S1. Do you think the message in this reading concerns preparation for the next life or happiness in this life? Does having your security rest in the goods of this world make you happy? Paul says, “Let ... those using the world [act] as not using it fully.” Could this be a recipe for happiness now?

S2. This reading says, “The time is running out.” Could this be a message for us today about our environment and our care for creation? 

Gospel

Mark 1:14-20

1. Must you be called as a missionary and go, for instance, to Africa, in order to respond to the Gospel? Or could you be called to bring the Good News whether you are fisherman, woman, or theologian—in whatever you do, wherever you are? Which way does Jesus call you?

2. According to Pope Francis’s statement below, do you have to be perfect to be called? Is the Lord with you when you make mistakes? How does he show his eternal love?

It seems in this passage that Simon, Andrew, James and John are chosen once-and-for-all: and yes, they were chosen! At this moment in the story, however, they had not been faithful to the last. After being chosen, they went on to make mistakes. …

How did the Lord work it all out? He stepped in, He straightened the path, He put things right. Think of the great David, a great sinner, and then a great saint. The Lord knows. When the Lord tells us: ‘With eternal love, I have loved you,’ He is referring to this. The Lord has been thinking of us for many generations—of each and every one of us.
 

Pope Francis: God's love is good beyond comprehension
January 14, 2014, Casa Santa Marta chapel

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University