Discussion Questions

First Reading
Malachi 3:1-4

1.Pope Francis reminds us that being Christian ultimately means, not so much doing new things, but allowing ourselves to be re-newed by the Holy Spirit. Do you think that the “messenger of the covenant” promised by God in this reading would have been filled with the Holy Spirit? Discuss: Who was this promised messenger?

2. Name some of God’s messengers today and in the recent past. Would you put the following in the “messengers” category: Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Pope John XXIII and Pope Francis? Who else? What about poets, writers, artists, theologians, musicians? Who speaks to you of God? Do you listen to/for the messages? Are you a messenger?

Second Reading
Hebrews 2:14-18

1. “Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” Does this mean that Jesus understands every human pain and suffering that we experience? How do you feel about this? To whom do you turn when things aren’t going well?

2. God is all knowing. God is love. Do you think God also wants to be known and loved? Is it easier to love God, who understands your needs, in the flesh, or God in the heavens?

Gospel
Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

1. Simeon and Anna were not part of the formal temple personnel. How was it that they recognized Jesus as the “light for revelation to the Gentiles.” Were they listening to the Holy Spirit? In this instance how did it work for them?

2. Simeon took the babe into his arms and said, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace.” Do you think that, in tough situations, or in any situation, you will experience the peace that Simeon experienced? What if you “hold the Lord in your arms,” as Pope Francis says here:

How good it is for us to hold the Lord “in our arms” (Lk 2:28), like Simeon. Not only in our heads and in our hearts, but also “in our hands,” in all that we do: in prayer, at work, at the table, on the telephone, at school, with the poor, everywhere.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord,
Feb 2, 2018

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University