Based on each Sunday’s Scripture readings, your “Question of the Week” offers opportunities for deeper reflection and faith-sharing. Make the “Question of the Week” your starting point in for small group faith-sharing, family prayer time, and daily reflection.
Basado en las lecturas de la Escritura de cada domingo, su “Pregunta de la Semana” ofrece oportunidades de reflexión más profunda y compartimiento de la fe. Haga la “Pregunta de la Semana” su punto de partida en para el compartimiento de la fe del grupo pequeño, tiempo del rezo de la familia y reflexión diaria.
Reading I Baruch 5:1-9 - Jerusalem consoled
Reading II Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 - Gratitude and hope
Gospel Luke 3:1-6 - John the Baptist
Key Passage “John went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:3)
Adults: In what areas of your life do you need God's forgiveness right now? What Advent practice would assist you in expressing your repentance?
Kids: What do you want to ask God to forgive you for? What can you do during Advent to show you are sorry?
READ MOREReading I Jeremiah 33:14-16 Restoration of Jerusalem
Reading II 1 Thess. 3:12–4:2 Plea for growth in holiness
Gospel Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Coming of the son of man
Key Passage Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)
Adults: What have been the strengths of your prayer life? What habit of prayer could you strengthen during this Advent season?
Kids: What prayers will you say each day and each week during Advent?
READ MOREReading I Daniel 7:13-14 - Daniel's vision of one like the Son of man
Reading II Revelation 1:5-8 - Praise to Jesus Christ
Gospel John 18:33b-37 - The blood and water
Key Passage To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation: 1:5b–6)
Adults: In what ways is Jesus the ruler of your life?
Kids: How can you show that you honor Jesus as the king of your life?
READ MOREReading I Daniel 12:1-3 - Daniel's conclusion to the apocalypse
Reading II Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 - Christ's eternal sacrifice
Gospel Mark 13:24-32 - The Second Coming
Key Passage Jesus said, “Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13:33)
Adults: What would you be doing differently in your life if you truly believed you would meet Christ soon?
Kids: What would you do for others today if you thought you would not have another chance to do it?
READ MOREReading I 1 Kings 17:10-16 - Elijah and the widow
Reading II Hebrew 9:24-28 - The sacrifice of Jesus
Gospel Mark 12:38-44 - Hypocrisy of the scribes, and the widow's mite
Key Passage Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43–44)
Adults: What are you willing to give out of love for God thatwould be a hardship for you?
Kids: What would you be willing to give up for someoneelse?
READ MOREReading I Deuteronomy 6:2-6 The Great Commandment
Reading II Hebrews 7:23-28 Jesus, the eternal high priest
Gospel Mark 12:28b-34 The Greatest Commandment
Key Passage [The scribe] asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’” (Mark 12:28–30)
Adults: Why is love of neighbor as important as love of God?
Kids: When do you show that you love God and your neighbor with your whole heart?
READ MOREReading I Jeremiah 31:7-9 - The restoration
Reading II Hebrews 5:1-6 - Jesus, the high priest
Gospel Mark 10:46-52 - The blind Bartimaeus
Key Passage Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith hasmade you well.” Immediately he regained his sight andfollowed him on the way. (Mark 10:52)
Adults: What have your eyes of faith helped you see in anew way?
Kids: What do you like most about the story of Bartimaeus?Why?
READ MOREReading I Isaiah 53:10-11 - The suffering servant
Reading II Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, compassionatehigh priest
Gospel Mark 10:35-45 or 10:42-45 - Ambition ofJames and John
Key Passage Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to becomegreat among you must be your servant, and whoever wishesto be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:44)
Adults: Why is it hard to do good works if you will not beacknowledged for them?
Kids: Are you willing to do a good deed even if no one knowsthat you did it? Why?
READ MOREReading I Wisdom 7:7-11 - Solomon and the riches of wisdom
Reading II Hebrews 4:12-13 - God's living word
Gospel Mark 10:17-30 - The danger of riches— Jesus and the rich man
Key Passage Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25)
Adults: How can the pleasures and comforts of this world become barriers to your relationship with God?
Kids: What favorite toy, game, video, etc., of yours would you be willing to share with someone this week?
READ MOREReading I: Genesis 2:18-24 - Second story of creation, the creation of woman
Reading II: Hebrews 2:9-11 - Jesus' exaltation through abasement
Gospel: Mark 10:2-16 or 10:2-12 - Question of divorce and Jesus blessing the children
Key Passage: Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15)
Adults: What could keep you from embracing the kingdom of God like a little child?
Kids: How do you feel when you hear the wonderful stories of God's love for you?