Theme:
The readings for this week talk of the righteous judgment of God. They show us the patience and mercy of God. The gospel is a call to respond to his mercy.
Questions:
Day 1: The first reading has two parts. The first part speaks of the spirit of the Lord resting on his servant. This Servant is Jesus.
Define these gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Since these gifts were given to Jesus, we also have these gifts if we are baptized in the Spirit. Honestly assess yourself and see which of these you have?
How can you use these for the glory of God?
The gift of wisdom is to see things through the eyes of God. This is the only gift that we are guaranteed to receive. It is yours for the asking. What will you say to Jesus so that you can receive this gift?
Day 2: The first reading continues to talk about the time when God will judge the earth in righteousness. When that time comes, there will be peace. Although this speaks of the future, it is also applicable to us in the present. Scripture tells us that we are deemed righteous by our faith. When God deems us righteous, we will have peace.
What does righteousness mean?
Why will you have peace only when you have faith?
How is good works related to our faith?
Day 3: The psalm is an echo of the first reading. It speaks of the effects of God's righteous judgement. At that time, the righteous will flourish and peace will abound.
Why do you think will peace happen only when there is righteousness?
Notice that when God reigns in righteousness, the psalmist also speaks of delivering the needy and the poor. This means that sufferings will continue even if we are deemed righteous. Why is this so?
What should you do in the midst of suffering?
Day 4: In the second reading, St. Paul says that we have hope through patience and encouragement of Scripture.
How can scripture give you hope?
St. Paul describes God as the God of patience and encouragement. What did he mean by that?
When the people of God are united, they glorify God. How will you work for unity in your community for the glory of God?
Day 5: The second reading continues with St. Paul telling the
church of Rome on how to glorify God.
St. Paul speaks of glorifying God for his mercy. How is God's mercy related to Jesus being made a servant?
St. Paul speaks of giving praise among the Gentiles. The Gentiles are non-believers. Why do you think should we give praise to God among the Gentiles?
How can you give praise to God's mercy among the Gentiles.
Day 6: The gospel introduces John the Baptist. It speaks of John's call to repentance. His first words were “Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”. He then quotes Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths”.
According to John, repentance is preparing the way of the Lord and making straight his path. What did he mean by that?
Why did John preach in the desert when it would be more convenient and there would have been more people in the city? How is this related to one's response to the call of repentance?
What did John call the Pharisees and Sadducees (the leaders of his people) when he saw them coming for baptism? He asked them to bear fruit worthy of repentance. What did he mean by that?
How is this call to repentance relevant to you and how will you respond?
Day 7: John continues to speak to the leaders of his people and told them not to put their trust in their nation. He said that God is able to raise children to Abraham from these stones.
Membership to a nation does not guarantee salvation. What does guarantee salvation?
John speaks of the judgement as a tree that will be cut down and cast to fire if it does not bear good fruit. What are the good fruits that John was talking about?
John says that the one coming after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. What do you think is the role of the Holy Spirit in repentance?
What is this fire that John was talking about? What is the role of this fire in repentance?
