“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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