Praying with Sunday's Scriptures
Editor's note: To help small faith-sharing groups, couples, individuals and others continuing the Renew 2000 experience of praying with the Sunday Scripture readings, a Diocesan Faith Sharing Writing Team has prepared a weekly series for Lent using the Renew model. It will appear in The Compass the week before that Sunday.
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Passion Sunday, April 1, 2007
Reading at the Procession with Palms: Luke 19:28-40
During the Mass:
Reading I: Isaiah 50:4-7
Reading II: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: Luke 22:14--23:56 |
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By Dcn. Mike Grzeca
Focus: Our signpost to eternal life reads: No Matter What Comes, Trust in God Alone.
Opening Prayer:
Gentle and loving God, when we are confronted by grief or tragedy, we are tempted to ask where you are. When we see innocent people suffering or are met with overwhelming loss in our own lives, help us to follow the example of your only Son and cling to you. Guide us to realize that you are the source of all that is good and that as our loving Creator, you will never leave us. In spite of the countless times we have turned away from you, you sent us Jesus to share the gift of life everlasting. You give us each day to come closer to you; help us to grow in the wisdom that comes from revering you. Let us come to seek only the good of other people and thus serve you. Lord, show us your love and mercy, for we place all our trust in you. We ask this through Jesus, the Son of God, who saves those who believe in him.
| |  | | | | A Lenten series on Reconciliation | |
Scripture Sharing
Read the scriptures aloud. Pause for a moment between the readings. Each group member is invited to share an idea or phrase from one of the readings that had an impact on them.
Reflection
There are many times throughout our lives when it seems God is not present. It may have looked that way the day our Lord was betrayed, denied, abandoned and crucified. Yet, what is the response of the totally Innocent One, but to ask forgiveness for his executioners? Imagine we are some of his followers that terrible day - did we scream with the crowd for his death? Did we dip our bread in his bowl with Judas? Were we in the courtyard snarling our denials with Peter? Every time we are angry with others, or hurtful to others or judgmental of others, we are betraying him. Still, he turns his loving gaze on us across the centuries and calls us to repentance. We know that this story ends in redemption for those who trust in God. Let us ask God to strengthen us in times of trial and, through the Holy Spirit, raise us on the Last Day.
Faith Sharing
1. When I have gone from apparent triumph to utter failure, how have I reacted? Why?
2. What does the story of Jesus' passion and death mean for us in the 21st century?
3. When my conduct has "denied" that I am a follower of Christ, what have I done about it?
4. List and describe three crucial actions of our Lord during his passion and death? (Examples: Forgiveness of enemies, absolute trust in God, humble acceptance of the pain and suffering).
Suggested Action Response
1. The next time someone does something that hurts you, ask God to give that person peace.
2. On Good Friday, spend an hour of quiet time reading and praying about the Lord's passion and death.
3. Are there religious objects displayed in your home - a crucifix? If not, why not?
4. Read again and reflect on the passage from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians. In what ways do we "grasp at being God" with other people? Are we condemning? Are we bearing a grudge? Pray to have the grace of true humility (knowledge of who we truly are).
Closing Prayer: Psalm 22. Lord, we know that in our darkest hour, you are still walking with us. (Individuals offer their prayer intentions)
(Dcn. Grzeca is director of the Department of Evangelization & Worship for the Green Bay Diocese and a member of the Diocesan Writing Team for Faith Sharing Sessions, 2007.)
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