Chapter 11: Mary's Memory

Lk 1: 26-38

1.  Reflect on the gifts and graces that you have been given.  How does this help you to trust?

2.  How can you cooperate more fully with the will of God?

3.  Mary was taken into the home of St. John following the death of Jesus.  How does his gospel reflect this?

4.  How does your relationship with Mary lead you closer to Christ?

Chapter 10: Mary Magdalene

Jn 8:3-10; Jn 19:25

1.  How do you enter into the Passion of Christ daily?  during Lent?

2.  In what areas do you tend to judge/compare others and/or yourself?  How do you avoid condemnation/negative judgements?

3.  What helps you to overcome sin?

4.  When is Mother Mary a source of consolation to you?

Chapter 9: The Samaritan Woman

Jn 4:5-42

1.  For what do you thirst?  What motivates you?

2.  Under the crucifixes in the Missionaries of Charity's convents is a quote from Christ on the cross, "I thirst."  For what does He thirst?

3.  How are you called to slake the thirst of others?

4.  The Samaritan woman becomes an unlikely evangelist.  What unusual sources have revealed God and His goodness to you?

Chapter 8: The Hemorrhage Woman

Mk 5: 21-43

1.  What helps you not to be overcome by despair or anxiety for your children as you send them out into our fallen world?

2.  Why does the image of the hemorrhage woman introduce the Catechism of the Catholic Church on The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (i.e. sacraments)?  See image following page 276, paragraphs 1115 and 1116.

3.  Share an example of the power of the sacraments.

4.  In what area are you being challenged to increase your faith?

Chapter 7: The Sinful Woman

Lk 7: 37-50

1.  How do you avoid or put an end to gossip?

2.  What do you do to foster the relationship between your children and mother-in-law?

3.  Share an experience in which you experienced the power of forgiveness.

4.  How can we encourage and support the value of lifelong marriage?

Chapter 6: The Widow of Nain

Lk 7: 11-17

1.  Who are the people that support you in a temporal way? spiritually?  Who do you support?

2.  How is praying for the poor souls in purgatory a part of your prayer life?

3.  Share an experience of a time you acted purely on faith (such as the widow's offering), trusting in God's providence.  What was the result?

4.  Make an extra effort to be aware and grateful for the miracles of life that surround you this week.

Chapter 5: The Syropheonician Woman

Mk 7:24-30

1.  What stories of faith/miracles in your own family do you pass on as heirlooms?

2.  What are your deepest prayers for your children?

3.  How does recognizing that your children are ultimately God's change the way you parent?

4.  In what area(s) are you being called to be courageous?

Chapter 4: Susanna

Dan 13:1-64 (NAB) or Sus 1:1-64 (RSV)

1.  LeBlanc's portrayal of Susanna and Joachim offers a glimpse into their marriage.  How do you show love and support to your husband, especially when work demands keep him away from home?

2.  How do you protect your marriage (from monotony, societal norms, other negative influences or temptations)?

3.  How do you foster your relationship with your husband?  What resources have helped you grow deeper as a couple?

4.  How do you foster honesty in your home?

Chapter 3: Queen Esther

Esther

1.  Queen Vashti showed her husband, King Ahasuerus great disrespect by disregarding his command.  How do you show respect to your husband?

2.  Reflect on Esther's prayer, "I am doing as the Lord has chosen for me; in that I am joyful."  Where in your life is God giving you the opportunity to choose joy?

3.  What role does fasting play in your spiritual life?

4.  Esther's trust in her adoptive father Mordecai helped her trust Yahweh.  How does your relationship with your father impact your image of God the Father?

Chapter 2: Judith

Judith

1.  How do you teach your children to respond gracefully when they have been wronged and not seek revenge?

2.  What practical steps does your family take to stand against the false gods of society?

3.  What have you sacrificed to be a faithful daughter of God?

4.  Reflect on and share a situation in which prayer gave you the strength to act outside of your comfort zone.

Introduction and Chapter 1: Hannah

1 Sam 1-2:21

1.  What small things do you do in your weakness that are great in the sight of the Lord?

2.  Reflect on how priests/the Church have assured you of God's providence in times of difficulty.  Are there any particular scripture passages that give you comfort?

3.  How do you encourage those who struggle to give their child(ren) to God in a priestly or religious vocation?  How do you foster your own children's vocations?

4.  How does a thankful heart aid you in times of suffering?