"Get behind me, Satan!"

This Sunday's Gospel for August 28, 2011 - 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - from Matthew presents us with the first prediction of Jesus' passion. It serves as a corrective to an understanding of Jesus' messiahship as solely one of glory and triumph. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

From "Rock" to Scandalon

Last week

"Upon this rock I will build my church."

This Sunday, August 21, 2011 is the 21st Sunday in Ordinary time. And we consider a Gospel text that is crucial to the Church’s understanding of itself. The words of Jesus addressed to Peter, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church." Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

"But who do you say that I am?"

"O woman, great is your faith!"

In this Sunday’s Gospel for August 14, 2011 - 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite woman because her faith was so great.  He rebuked the disciples because their faith was too little. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

These readings fare among the most difficult passages in the Bible.

"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

In Sunday's Gospel passage for August 7, 2011, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, while his disciples depart in a boat, Jesus goes up on a mountain by himself to pray. When a storm arises during the night, Jesus comes toward the boat walking on the water. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

Where is God?

Life as an