Your sangha could possibly spend years pondering the deep meaning and teachings contained in Jesus' many questions. Our favorite book for your sangha, besides the gospels themselves, is 'The Questions of Jesus' by John Dear SJ. You might think about taking up one question each time you meet, and see what sort of discussions it begins, what sort of challenges it opens, and how it changes your hearts together. Look for these questions in Jesus' stories... Jesus engaging with and healing people, one on one, breaking social boundaries, caring each of us.

• Do you want to be healed? (acknowledging our free will in the matter)
• What is your name? (engaging the madman in the graveyard in the process of his own healing)
• Who has touched me? (engaging in a discourse with the woman in the crowds)
• Will you give me some water? (unusual to engage in conversation with a woman, especially from a shunned group)
• Where stand your accusers? (re-humanizing and engaging with the woman who escaped being stoned to death)
• Who was the neighbor in my parable? (prompting us to see if we understand his parable)
• Why do you worry about the splinter in their eye when you have a big log in your own? (helping us grow)
• Why don't you understand what I am saying
• Who do you say I am?
• Why do you doubt?
• Where is your faith?

"When Jesus heals us, he calls us out of our slavery to sickness, violence and death into a new life of wholeness, nonviolence, and resurrection. 'Rise up, take your mat. Walk! From now, you are free. You are well. You are made whole. Follow me on the path of wholeness, nonviolence, and life, and join me in making others well.' It is an offer we cannot refuse." —John Dear SJ. The Questions of Jesus. p66

"Jesus continues to engage those we condemn. He dialogues with those on death row, with our enemies, with all those we want to kill. . . if we dare side with the condemned, as Jesus does, we will one day realize that Jesus is saving us... one day he will ask us his simple, obvious question and restore our dignity: "Where are all those who want to kill you? Has no one condemned you, even though you are indeed guilty of sin?" In turn, we will look at the disarming, peaceful Jesus and answer, "No one, sir." With the eyes of compassion, Jesus will then look upon us and say, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." —John Dear SJ. The Questions of Jesus. p92