Discussion Questions

First Reading

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

F1 “He will sing joyfully because of you.” What are some examples in the world about which you might say, “listen! God is singing!”?

F2. This reading says it twice.“Be not discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst.” Have you ever remembered the presence of God in the middle of a crisis? What effect did it have on you?
 

Second Reading

Philippians 4:4-7

S1. St. Paul says we must

––rejoice in the Lord always,
––be kind to all,
––lose anxiety,
––make all our requests known to God and
––thank God as though he has already granted the requests.

This is a long list. Are you better at some than others? Which ones could you improve on?

S2. Maybe you rejoice when you are singing at Mass on Sunday. Are there other times during the week that you experience the same kind of joy? What makes you happy in the Lord?

Gospel

Luke 3:10-18

G1. What kind of people went to hear John and then repented? Would you show up to hear someone like John today? What would you want to see and hear? What are today’s prophets talking about? Anti-racial problems? Starving immigrants? Climate crisis? Peace?

Discuss.

G2. John the Baptist gave concrete answers to the different groups that asked, “What should we do?” He is teaching us that faith is not abstract, but is incarnated into concrete life. What small tangible things can we do to prepare for Christmas?

How can I do my part? Let us make a concrete commitment, even if small, that is adapted to our situation in life, and let us continue to do it to prepare ourselves for this Christmas. For example: I can call a person who is alone, visit that elderly person or that person who is ill, do something to serve a poor person, someone in need. Even still: maybe I need to ask forgiveness, grant forgiveness, clarify a situation, pay a debt. Perhaps I have neglected prayer and after a long time, it is time to draw near to the Lord’s forgiveness. Brothers and sisters, let us find something concrete and do it!

Pope Francis, Angelus for 3rd Sun of Advent
Dec 12, 2021

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University