Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 11, 2009 (28B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Burning Question: Does God want you to be rich?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups, 
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 7, Verses 7-11

1. Consider power, money, health, reputation, beauty. Where does wisdom fall in your hierarchy of values? If you rank wisdom first does it stay there? Which of the other values overpowers wisdom most often in your life?

2. A law student decides to work for social justice instead of a wealthy law firm. How do “all good things come together” for him? How are “countless riches” given to him?


Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 4, Verses 12-13

1. The Word “discerns reflections and thoughts of the heart.” How do you feel about the Word knowing you better than you know yourself? Do you trust God with such personal things? And would you like to know yourself better?

2. Do motives and attitude color your decision-making? Are your motives and attitudes in good order, or could they use a realignment? 


Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 17-30

1. Think of people you know who give all the time. What are they like? Do they receive the hundredfold Jesus promised to those who give? What happens to you when you give?

2. Are possessions themselves the difficulty, or is clinging to possessions the problem? Can either one be a stumbling block to a poor person as well as to a wealthy person? Discuss whether you think possessions could be a stumbling block to the Church itself.


Online Sunday Bible Study Group 
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
Click here to go to our online Sunday Bible Study Group.