“Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Palm Sunday, Apr. 1, 2012 (PalmB)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What sacraments did Jesus institute on Holy Thursday?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Isaiah 50:4-7

1. Name some people who have spoken on God’s behalf and have “set their faces like flint” when confronted by injustice. Are you restrained about standing up for justice if it involves some discomfort for you? What injustice do you feel strongly about? What can you do to help make it right?

2. God opens your ears many times and in many ways. Give some reasons why God would come to you with messages “morning after morning.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

1. The psalmist speaks of those who scoff at him and mock him. In what way can you identify with those who scoff
at our Savior and mock him with parted lips?

2. The Response is, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Why do you think our Lord would have uttered these words at the time of his Passion? What had changed for God's son? Had God changed?

Second Reading
Philippians 2:6-11


1. Describe the “emptying in Jesus’ life. Go from his birth to his death, as much as you are able. What is the power of emptiness?

2. Is there anything in your life that helps you imitate Jesus in being open and empty? On the other hand, are there desires that make you regard equality with God as something you should achieve?

Gospel
Mark 14:1-15:47

1. The woman was “wasting” expensive perfumed oil on Jesus. Does this relate to God wasting his love on humankind? How is the Eucharist a continuation of Christ’s “self-wasting” on us? Does your busy schedule allow time to “waste” on love?

2. Throughout his passion, who stayed and who didn’t stay with Jesus? Which group would you have found yourself with? Did Jesus feel abandoned by the one he loved most, the Father? How terrible would such a loss be for him? What does this suffering say to you?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
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"Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 26, 2012 (L1B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: "Why do Catholics baptize their children as babies?"

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Genesis, Chapter 9, Verses 8-15

1. God made a covenant with us, and included every living thing. Does this reconfigure your attitude toward creation? How? Why do you think God chose a rainbow to be a sign of this covenant?

2. Explain how the Genesis story of Noah and the flood is a foreshadowing of Christian baptism.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

1. Our Psalm speaks of being taught by the Lord ("teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me; he teaches the humble his way.") Are you a good student of the Lord? Tell about what you have learned or are learning from the Lord.

2. According to our psalmist, the Lord "shows sinners the way." As we enter the season of Lent, we could all use some guidance and help as we strive for repentance and to be bolder in our faith. xplain what you will do during Lent to become a more obedient Christian and a better witness for your faith.

Second Reading
1 Peter, Chapter 3, Verses 18-22

1. Is baptism something we undertake, or is it a gift of life that we simply accept as made possible through the resurrection of Jesus?

2. Baptism is about dying and rising. Do you have any Lenten plans that might impact your dying to self or figuratively speaking, rising from the dead?

Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 12-15

1. “He was among the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.” What are the “wild beasts” in your life? Who are the angels who minister to you? Where do you yourself minister?

2. The Spirit drove Jesus into the desert to prepare for his public ministry. How do you prepare for important events? Do you let the Spirit “drive” you? What is the food that sustains you? How does fasting or emptying yourself in some way help sharpen your spiritual appetites?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.