Discussion Questions for Sunday's Readings 
Palm Sunday (LPalmB), April 5, 2009
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Reading of the Lord's Passion - At the Mass  
Reading of the Lord's Passion - At the Procession with Palms

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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, Chapter 50, Verses 4-7

1. Name some people who have spoken on God’s behalf. Have they “set their faces like flint” when confronted by injustice? Do you feel strongly about some injustice? What can you do to help make it right?

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


Second Reading
Philippians, Chapter 2, Verses 6-11

1. Describe the “emptying” in Jesus’s 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, Chapter 14, Verses 1-72, Chapter 15, Verses 1-47

1. The woman was “wasting” expensive perfumed oil on Jesus. Does this relate to God’s self-wasting love of humankind? Does your busy schedule allow time to “waste” on love?

2. Throughout his passion, who stayed and who didn’t stay with Jesus? With which group would you have found yourself? Did Jesus feel abandoned by the very one he loved most, the Father? Wouldn’t this have been a terrible loss? 

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By Anne Osdieck of the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University 
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