Discussion Questions for Sunday's Readings 
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A), June 29, 2008
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles 
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

SUNDAY READINGS

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Questions on Sunday's readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 12, Verses 1-11

1. What are some “chains” that bind people today? Which ones bind you? Does God use you to free his other loved ones from “chains” bind them?

2. This reading sounds like a Tom Clancy novel. Does our faith sometimes require these kinds of risk? Are you willing to risk everything for something you believe in?


Second Reading
Second Timothy, Chapter 4, Verses 6-8, 17-18

1. Paul says he was rescued from the lion’s mouth, no less. Can you relate to Paul’s needs? Has God rescued you?

2. Have you ever been poured out like wine or oil (a libation) on a sacrifice? Did Jesus have this experience? Where is God when people are being poured out?


Gospel
Matthew, Chapter 16, Verses 13-19

1. Do you want your friends to know you well? Jesus wants that of disciples, so he asks the tough question directly. Since you qualify as Jesus’ friend and disciple, who do you say Jesus is?

2. Peter at last recognized the divine in Jesus, who gave him “the keys to the Kingdom of heaven” as a result. Is there a lesson here for you? Do you recognize the divinity of Jesus? Do you admit it in your life?

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By Anne Osdieck of the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University