Family Bible Study - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Gospel Passage Mark 9:30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” 32 But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. 33 Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Questions “They did not understand what Jesus was saying and were afraid to ask Him.” What should you do if you don’t understand what Jesus is asking of you? Who should you go to? To be great in God’s eyes – which we should ALL WANT! – we have to be like Jesus and serve others. What can you do this week to help others and become greater in God’s eyes? Jesus loved children and wanted us to welcome them in His name. Children, especially babies, cannot give us back anything in return, so welcoming them is a pure act of love. Has anyone every welcomed you in this way? Have you ever welcomed anyone in this way? used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Gospel Passage Mark 8:27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30 And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. 31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” 34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. Questions 1. A lot of people say that Jesus was just a good or famous man of God, like John the Baptist, Elijah or the other prophets. Who do you say that Jesus is? 2. Peter tried to stop Jesus from suffering, and Jesus said he was behaving like the devil, because at that moment Peter was trying to stop Jesus from fulfilling his mission, as the devil always tries to do. What is Jesus’ mission? How can we help him to accomplish it? 3. Jesus says that to be his good students, his followers, we need to do three things. What are they? (Hint: see verse 34). Do you try to do all three? used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, B July 8, 2012 Gospel Passage Mark 6:1 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. Questions The people of Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth did not believe in Him. He was sad and surprised that they did not believe. In your home would Jesus be proud of how much you believe in Him or sad because you don’t believe in Him enough? Jesus was a carpenter and went to work each day like most grownups do. He did His job the best He could. That means that if you do your work the best you can, God is happy. What kind of work do you want to do to please God when you grow up? What work do you do now? Can your work at home, school and CCD please God too? The Gospel story seems to say that Jesus had “brothers”, but the word “brother” here means “relatives” in Hebrew. The same word is used for brothers, cousins, and other relatives. Why do we know the Jesus didn’t have any true brothers or sisters? What do we know about Mary that makes this impossible? used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, B July 1, 2012 Gospel Passage Mark 5:21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. 22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet 23 and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” 24 So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” 29 Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” 35 While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. Questions: Jesus did two miracles in today’s Gospel. Can He and does He still do miracles today? Do you know about any miracles? The woman with the bleeding problem got a miracle by touching Jesus’ clothes. All of us do more than just touch His clothes when we receive Holy Communion. We get Jesus inside our own body. Is there anything He can’t do for us when we receive Him in Holy Communion? The people laughed at Jesus when He told them that the little girl was just sleeping. Have you ever met someone who tried to make fun of Jesus because they don’t understand Him? Have they ever made fun of you because they don’t understand Jesus like you do? used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, B June 24, 2012 Gospel Passage Mark 4:35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Questions Even the wind and the sea listened and obeyed Jesus as we read in the Gospel today. Do you listen and obey Jesus and do what He asks you to do? How do you know what He is asking you to do? We can sometimes use “symbols” to mean something else. For example, the flag is a symbol for the United States. The church uses a boat as its symbol of the Church, which is like St. Peter’s boat where Jesus was sleeping or from where he sometimes. Taught. Do you think Jesus is always in the “boat” of the Church? Do we ever need to be afraid if Jesus is there? Sometimes when you are praying and worried, do you think that Jesus is asleep and not listening to your prayers? What do you think now after reading this Gospel story? Do you think He could be listening after all? used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - June 17th, 2012 - 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, B June 17, 2012 Gospel Passage Mark 4:26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, 27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34 he did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything. Questions 1. Jesus says that his kingdom is like a seed that he scatters and grows on its own. Does a seed have the power within to grow on its own or does one need to stay up all night to help it to grow? A seed also needs water and sun to grow. To what can you compare this water and sun in the spiritual life of faith? 2. Jesus says his kingdom, his church, is like a tiny seed that begins very small but then grows huge. Is that what happened in the early Church? Is that what can happen at St. Anthony’s 100 years ago? Is that what can happen again now? 3. What is a parable? Why do you think Jesus teaches in parables? used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Corpus Christi, Year B

Corpus Christi, B June 10, 2012 Gospel Passage Mark 14:12 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16 So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. 22 While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Questions Today’s feast is called “Corpus Christi” which means the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. What then are we celebrating? (Hint: it begins with an “E”) Jesus says that His flesh (body) is true food and His blood is true drink. That means that when we eat Holy Communion we don’t eat bread or wine at all, because both have been totally changed into Jesus’ Body and Blood. So, is it wrong to call the Eucharist just “bread and wine”? Jesus says the same words at Mass that He said at the Last Supper! Do you know that every Mass you are really part of the Last Supper, Jesus’ death, and His return from death (resurrection)? If that’s true (and it is!!), could anything in this whole world be more important than Mass? used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 5th Sunday of Lent - Year B - March 25th, 2012

Fifth Sunday of Lent, B
March 25, 2012
Gospel Passage
John 12:20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some
Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him,
“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and
Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son
of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the
earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25
Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep
it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will
my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. 27 “Now my soul is
troubled. And what should I say — ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this
reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice
came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd
standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has
spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for
mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be
driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to
myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Questions
The Greeks said, “We wish to see Jesus!” If someone came up to you saying
that they wished to see Jesus, what would you tell them? What would you do?
Where could they find Jesus?
Jesus says that whoever serves Him must follow Him so that where He is, we
will be too. How do we serve Jesus? Where are we following Him?
Sometimes when plants die (like wheat), a seed drops and fruit can grow from
the seed. If you let something you do “die” (like stop fighting with your
family), what good “fruit” would come from that? What else could you let
“die” to make some good “fruit” grow?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Fourth Sunday of Lent

Fourth Sunday of Lent, B
March 18, 2012
Gospel Passage
John 3:14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son
of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in
him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son
into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved
through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not
believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the
only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world,
and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all
who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be
exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly
seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
Questions
God the Father loved the world so much that He let His only Son die so that
we could have eternal life. Could anyone else ever love you this much? Is
Jesus loves you this much, how much should you love him?
God sent His Son to save the world. Save the world from what? How do we
get saved?
Jesus said that He had to be lifted up, just like a serpent in the desert. When
the serpent was lifted up on a pole, all those who were dying because of
serpent bites were saved. When will Jesus be lifted up? How will He be lifted
up? Who will be saved by that?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Third Sunday of Lent

Third Sunday of Lent, B
March 11, 2012
Gospel Passage
John 2:13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In
the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers
seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the
temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money
changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves,
“Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17
His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume
me.” 18 The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20
The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and
will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body.
22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this;
and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. 23 When he
was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because
they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part would not entrust
himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to testify about
anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.
Questions
Jesus was very angry in this reading when He sent the money changers out of
the temple with a whip. Why was He angry? If Jesus, who is God, could be
angry for a good reason, what does that mean about our anger? Can we get
angry at others if we have a good reason?
Jesus called his body a temple. St. Paul tells us that our bodies are “temples of
the Holy Spirit.” If that’s true (and it is!), how clean should we keep our
temple? How do we keep it clean? What can make it dirty?
Jesus had “zeal” for His Father’s house. Zeal means really strong love. Do you
have zeal for the things of God?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 6th Sunday of Easter

Gospel Passage
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask
the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor
knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. 18 “I
will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will
no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that
day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who
have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love
me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
Questions -

1. Jesus says that if we love him, we will obey His commandments. Do you
folllow his commandments?

2. Jesus says that he and the Father will send the “Spirit of Truth.” What
“Spirit” is he talking about? Be specific. (Hint: Think about Pentecost).

3. Jesus says, “In a little while the world will no longer see me.” What is he
talking about? (Hint: It has something to do with this Thursday).
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Third Sunday of Easter

Luke 24:13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from
Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were
talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept
from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each
other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him,
"Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a
prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers
delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to
redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. 22 Moreover, some
women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning 23 and did not find his body;
and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of
those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see."
25 And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27 And beginning
with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 but they
constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to
stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it
to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32
They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened
to us the scriptures?" 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven
gathered together and those who were with them, 34 who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has
appeared to Simon!" 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in
the breaking of the bread.

Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus first explained the Scriptures to the two men. Does the priest ever
explain things to us at Church? What is the name for this part of the Mass?

2. The men said that their hearts were “burning” when they heard Jesus speak.
Do we listen carefully so that Jesus can set our hearts on fire with love for
him?

3. The disciples saw Jesus in the “breaking of the bread.” Does this remind
you of any part of Mass? Do you see Jesus at that part of the Mass?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Divine Mercy Sunday

Gospel Passage
John 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut
where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and
said to them, "Peace be with you." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his
hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus
said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send
you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them,
"Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you
retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called
the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him,
"We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of
the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side,
I will not believe." 26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and
Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them,
and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and
see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but
believing." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him,
"Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen
and yet believe." 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples,
which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Questions for discussion -
1. One of the first things Jesus did after rising from the dead was to breathe on the
Apostles and give them the power to forgive sins. This is what priests do in the
sacrament of Reconciliation. If this is one of the first things Jesus did after rising from the dead, how important do you think it is to Him?

2. Jesus said to the Apostles, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” How could they know which sins to retain and which to forgive unless somebody told them in confession? (Do you see why we have to tell the priest our sins?)

3. Jesus said to “doubting” Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet
believe.” We have not seen Jesus rise from the dead with our own eyes. How can we be
blessed too?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Easter Sunday!

Gospel Passage
Matt. 28:1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a
great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled
back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing
white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But
the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus
who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the
place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from
the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This
is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and
ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they
came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them,
“Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Questions for discussion -

1. Today we celebrate that Jesus was raised from the dead three days after he
was killed by Crucifixion, just as he had promised. This is the most important
thing that ever happened in the history of the world. How does the risen Jesus
help you in your daily life?

2. Mary Magdalene and Mary, the Mother of James, went to the tomb “looking
for Jesus.” Where do you go to look for Jesus? How hard do you look for him?

3. The women left the tomb “with fear and great joy.” What do you think made
them so happy? What do you think had made them afraid?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Good Friday

Gospel Passage
(Abridged) John 19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers plaited a
crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; 3 they came up to
him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 5 So Jesus came out,
wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6
When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!”
Pilate said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with
him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered,
“We have no king but Caesar.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. 17 So they
took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which
is called in Hebrew Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on
either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read,
“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took
his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. 25 So the soldiers did
this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of
Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved
standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the
disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 28
After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A
bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to
his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his
head and gave up his spirit.
Questions for discussion -

1. Why do you think we call the day Jesus was killed “Good” Friday?

2. On Good Friday, the mob chose Barabbas, a thief and a murderer, over
Jesus. What happens whenever we sin?

3. At the Cross, Jesus gave Mary to St. John as his mother and St. John as a son
to Mary, and St. John tells us that he took her into his home (meaning his life).
Have you taken Mary, Jesus’ mother, into your life like St. John did? Do you
see that the secret to remaining faithful to Jesus even when we look at the
suffering of someone we love is staying close to Mary at the foot of the Cross?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Gospel Passage
Matt. 21:1 And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the
Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village
opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie
them and bring them to me. 3 If any one says anything to you, you shall say, `The
Lord has need of them,' and he will send them immediately." 4 This took place to
fulfil what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold,
your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on an donkey, and on a colt, the
foal of an donkey." 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they
brought the donkey and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon.
8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from
the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and
that followed him shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in
the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" 10 And when he entered Jerusalem,
all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?" 11 And the crowds said, "This is the
prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee."

Questions for discussion -
1. This reading is from the first of two Gospels on Palm Sunday.
What do you think we call today Palm Sunday? Do you see any clues in the
reading?

2. The people in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus by shouting, “Blessed is he who
comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” When do say those
words during Mass?

used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 5th Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
John 11:1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was
Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.
3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, "This
illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it." 5
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days
longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go into Judea again." 17
Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 20 When Martha
heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus,
"Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even now I know that whatever you
ask from God, God will give you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him,
"I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection
and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me
shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son
of God, he who is coming into the world." 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her
also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled; 34 and he said, "Where have you laid him?" They
said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" 37 But some
of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" 38 Then
Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, "Take
away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for
he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see
the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank thee
that thou hast heard me. 42 I knew that thou hearest me always, but I have said this on account of the people
standing by, that they may believe that thou didst send me." 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud
voice, "Lazarus, come out." 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face
wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." 45 Many of the Jews therefore, who
had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.

Questions for discussion:
1. Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, who was already dead four days and in the tomb. Is there anything that Jesus cannot do?

2. Jesus says “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even though he die, shall live.” What does he mean?

3. Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus. He also loves you. Do you know and feel
this love? How does he show you this love?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 4th Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
John 9:1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. 6 Jesus spat on the
ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, 7
saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and
washed and came back seeing. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before
as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some said, "It is
he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." 3 They brought to
the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day
when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 The Pharisees again asked him
how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I
washed, and I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he
does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such
signs?" There was a division among them. 17 So they again said to the blind man,
"What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a
prophet." 4 They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach
us?" And they cast him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having
found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" 36 He answered, "And who
is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" 37 Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it
is he who speaks to you." 38 He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.

Questions for discussion -

1. Jesus cured a blind man in today’s Gospel. Do you have any “blindness” in
your life that Jesus needs to cure, anything that makes it hard for you to see
Jesus?

2. Jesus could have cured the blind man without using clay and spit. Why do
you think he used them? Is it anything like the sacraments, where Jesus uses
water, oil and things from this world?

3. Jesus cared for the blind man and wants us to do the same. How do you care
for those who are blind, deaf, or have other problems?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 3rd Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
John 4:5 So he came to a city of Samar'ia, called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6
Jacob's well was there, and so Jesus, wearied as he was with his journey, sat down beside the well. It was
about the sixth hour. 7 There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."
8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it
that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samar'ia?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, `Give me a drink,' you
would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." 11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you
have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than
our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?" 13 Jesus said
to her, "Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall
give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to
eternal life." 15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to
draw." 19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this
mountain; and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." 21 Jesus said to her,
"Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the
Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth,
for such the Father seeks to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit
and truth." 25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he
comes, he will show us all things." 26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he." 39 Many Samaritans
from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did." 40 So when
the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41 And many
more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of your words that
we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."
Questions for discussion -

1. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that he can give her “living water” that will
be like a spring inside of her leading her to heaven. What do you think is this
water that Jesus is talking about? Do we ever use water in Church? What for?

2. Jesus says in the Gospel, “I who speak to you am He.” What does He mean?
Who is He? And what does that mean?

3. Jesus went to the well because he was “weary” or very tired from his
journey. What does that tell you about Jesus?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - 2nd Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
Matt. 17:1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John
and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before
them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3
Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter
said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three
dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still
speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice
said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6
When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7
But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And
when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were
coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until
after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Questions for discussion -

1. God the Father almost never speaks in the Gospels, but in this story He tells
the three Apostles to “listen to Jesus.” How hard do you try to listen to Jesus
when He speaks each Sunday in the Bible readings at Church?

2. Why do you think Jesus was transfigured (looked different)? Do you think it
has anything to do with His Resurrection (his coming back from the dead)?

3. Who are Moses and Elijah? Why do you think they appeared to speak to
Jesus?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry