Discussion Questions

First Reading

1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

F1. In what way does this reading teach us about magnanimity (which means “generous in overlooking injury and insult, rising above pettiness and meanness”)? Can you think of any saints/prophets who were or are magnanimous? Do you know any magnanimous people in your own life? What about you?

F2. Saul was mean and insane but David showed respect for him because he was anointed. Can you show respect for someone yet disagree with him/her? What do you think the outcome is when neither side respects the other?

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 15:45-49

S1. Is it true that “we have been born in the image of the earthly Adam,” as St. Paul says? Contrast that with “the heavenly Adam,” Christ.

S2. Hans Urs von Balthasar said that Christ “cut a path” for us as grace ascending and grace descending. Is Christ just as much creation’s highest response to the Father as he is the Father’s Word to creation. Does the heavenly Adam coming together with the earthly Adam cut a path for us? What does bearing the image of the heavenly Adam allow us to do? 

Gospel

Luke 6:27-38

G1. Jesus goes one step farther than David’s “don’t kill” your enemies. He says, “love them.” Don’t expect anything back when you lend, and if someone takes something of yours, give that person much more. Who practices absolute generosity like this? Who do you know besides God who comes close? A parent with his/her child? With grace, can we think of everyone as our family?

G2. Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as you Father is merciful.” Pope Francis says mercy is Jesus’ most powerful message. In the interview below, what does he say is the most important task of ministers of the Church? Can being too locked up in rules hinder us from accompanying people who are in need of mercy?

The church sometimes has locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules. The most important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers of the church must be ministers of mercy above all. … In pastoral ministry we must accompany people, and we must heal their wounds.

Pope Francis' focus on the Bible and mercy
America interview Jan 5, 2024

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University