Discussion Questions
First Reading1
2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13
F1. David suggested that Uriah the Hittite go home and “wash his feet,” meaning to spend time at home and attend to his wife. When this failed, David placed Uriah, a soldier most faithful in David’s army, in a battle position where he will surely be killed. What does this have to do with Uriah’s wife? Is there any sin too heinous for God to forgive?
F2. Did God, through the prophet Nathan, forgive David? How hard is it for you to forgive wrongs done to you? How hard is it for you to ask forgiveness?
Second Reading
Galatians 2:16, 19-21
S1. St. Paul says, “I live by faith in the son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.” Did Jesus give himself up for the rest of us? Does Jesus want to live in you? Will he live in you if you want him to?
S2. Paul was a Pharisee like Simon in the Gospel. He says he has not been justified by works of the law, but through Christ. Will just following the law make you holy? If Christ is living in you, are you just a shell he uses to do his works? Or do you live in the flesh by faith in the Son of God?
Gospel
Luke 7:36-8:3 or 7:36-50
G1. In a recent audience Pope Francis compared Simon, the Pharisee, with the weeping woman in this story. Which of Simon’s qualities do you possess? Which of the weeping woman’s? Which would you like to retain? Which to eliminate?
The contrast between two figures stands out: Simon, the zealous servant of the law; and the anonymous woman, who is a sinner. While the first judges others based on appearances, the second sincerely expresses her heart, by her gestures. Despite having invited Jesus, Simon does not want to compromise himself or involve his life with The Teacher. The woman, by contrast, entrusts herself entirely to Him with love and veneration.
Audience, Pope Francis, April 20, 2016:
Who has been forgiven more, loves more
Anne Osdieck
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**From Saint Louis University