Palm Sunday Readings

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

• Do you pray for those who have hurt you? How does this scripture speak to how you should view others who have caused you hurt?
• 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 do you most relate to Jesus? How would you imagine Jesus most relates to you?
• How did Jesus empty himself for you? How can you mimic this in your life?
• 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

• Jesus stands up for a woman showing him kindness. Share a time when you have done the same. If there is not a time, think of a time when you could have done the same.
• Is there a precious gift you can give to Jesus? What does this reading say God wants from you?

General Questions for Journaling

• What are your first thoughts in the morning when you wake up?  Are they of God or something else?  How do your first thoughts drive your day? Are your first thought the same each morning or different?
• Do you need to train your tongue? 
• When have you recently spoken up for an unfair or unjust situation? What was the situation and what was the outcome?
• Is there something going on in the world which you feel strongly about?  What can you do you do to impact this?
• What makes it hard to turn your back on those who hurt you or cause you harm?
• Why do you think people are drawn to bad news? Slow down at an accident scene or gather outside where there an emergency vehicle shows up? What is it that people want to know?
• How have you seen God help someone in your community? Share the story.
• How do you show God/Jesus/Holy Spirit honor? How do you bow before them?
• Describe what it means to be emptied of oneself. Is it hard or easy to do?
• For what purpose would one choose to be emptied?
• How does your posture during prayer speak to God?
• Do you think God prefers formal or informal prayer? Explain.
• 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?
• Have others ever been upset with you because you did something nice for another person? Do you have regrets?
• How does it make you feel that Jesus already knows all you have done and all you will do, both good and bad? Be specific.

Closing Prayer

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

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

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

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

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

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

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

ALL:  I love you, I honor you, I thank you

Challenge for the Week:  Pope Francis poses a very interesting challenge for you.  He suggests you take some time to reflect on your life of faith.  Have you fallen asleep in your faith?  Are you living your faith out with fervor or simply going through the motions?  Do you slumber through attending your weekly obligation or are you 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”?