6th Sunday of Lent – Palm Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Open my eyes so I can SEE YOU

in the faces of those around me.

Open my ears so I can HEAR YOU

in the cries of the poor and neglected.

Open my heart so I can FEEL YOU

in my sin and weakness.

May my senses be open to YOU

as you pour out all you have upon me!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

• How have you or can you speak on God’s behalf? How can your actions speak for God?
• How does this reading speak of Jesus? Isaiah shed light on the coming of Jesus and the suffering He would endure.  What do you suffer for Jesus sake?

 

Philippians 2:6-11

• How did Jesus empty himself for us? How can we mimic this in our own lives?
• Make a list of the ways Jesus was a slave in the stories of the Gospel. What is the definition of a slave?

 

Mark 14:1-15:47

• How do you relate to this woman “wasting” precious oil on Jesus? What do you give to Jesus in such abundance that it could seem to be wasted?
• Is there a precious gift you can give to Jesus? What does this reading say God wants from you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What message is God filling you with morning after morning?
• Do you need to train your tongue?
• What makes it hard to turn your back on those who hurt you or cause you harm?
• What causes interest in bad news? What is it that draws people to want to know?
• How do you show God/Jesus/Holy Spirit honor? How do you bow before them?
• How have your actions caused pain for Jesus? Have you turned your back on him?
• Are there things in your life which you mock? Where could you find the good in that thing?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you humble yourself so you can be emptied

ALL:  We love you, we honor you, we thank you

Leader:  Lord, you hold your tongue when others accuse you

ALL:  We love you, we honor you, we thank you

Leader:  Lord, you turn your back on those who beat you

ALL:  We love you, we honor you, we thank you

Leader:  Lord, you show obedience to God’s way

ALL:  We love you, we honor you, we thank you

Challenge for the Week:   Pope Francis poses a very interesting challenge for us.  He suggests we take some time to reflect on our life of faith.  Have we fallen asleep in our faith?  Are we living our faith out with fever or simply going through the motions?  Do we slumber through attending our weekly obligation or are we alive and growing?  Take time to think about this question.  Are you asleep?  Are you on the path of falling asleep?  OR Are you walking, skipping, jumping, dancing or even flying?  Do you know others who have fallen asleep in their faith; what can you do to help them “stay awake for Jesus”?