Discussion Questions

First Reading

Isaiah 62:1-5

F1. Why does Isaiah use intimate marital imagery when explaining the relationship between God and the people? Does love between human beings help you understand how much God loves people?

F2. The Lord gives new names to Israel in this First Reading from the Old Testament (“a glorious crown in the Lord’s hand,” “A Royal Diadem [crown],” “My Delight,” and “Espoused”). How would you interpret these loving names in light of the New Testament?

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

S1. Why do you think people are given talents like Van Gogh’s and Bach’s or spiritual gifts like the ones mentioned in the reading? Are they gifts for themselves alone or for sharing with others? Are they to be hidden away or used regularly? Should everyone have the same talents? Are you using whatever talents God gave you?

S2. Did Desmond Tutu use his gifts to bring about justice for others? Though not canonized, do you think the whole world now calls this holy man a saint?

Gospel

John 2:1-11

G1. To Mary’s, “they have no wine,” Jesus’ response was, “what concern is it to you or me?” Instead of backing off, Mary tells the servers to “do whatever he tells you.” Mary trusted that he would somehow solve the problem. If this trust rates a 10, where would you put your trust when you “don’t back off,” but go to God with your concerns?

G2. According to Pope Francis, what else does Mary teach us at the wedding at Cana?

Like Mary at Cana, let us make an effort to be more attentive in our squares and towns, to notice those whose lives have been “watered down,” who have lost—or have been robbed of—reasons for celebrating; those whose hearts are saddened. And let us not be afraid to raise our voices and say: “they have no wine.” 

The cry of the people of God, the cry of the poor, is a kind of prayer; it opens our hearts and teaches us to be attentive. Let us be attentive, then, to all situations of injustice and to new forms of exploitation that risk making so many of our brothers and sisters miss the joy of the party. Let us be attentive to the lack of steady employment, which destroys lives and homes. … Let us be attentive to the lack of shelter, land and employment experienced by so many families.  And, like Mary, let us say: they have no wine, Lord.

Journey of Pope Francis to Chile
Jan. 18, 2018

Anne Osdieck
 

**From Saint Louis University