Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part
Daily Marriage Tip for March 22, 2015:
If [a grain of wheat] dies, it produces much fruit. (Jn 12:24) Death is hard: the death of a loved one, the death of dreams, and the daily dying to self. But Jesus promises that when united with Him, even death and suffering can be fruitful. Find comfort in His words today.
Sunday Scripture Study
Fifth Sunday of Lent - Cycle B
March 22, 2015
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Opening Prayer
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm:
51:3-4, 12-15 Second Reading:
Hebrews 5:7-9 Gospel Reading: John 12:20-33
- The setting for this Sundays Gospel is Jerusalem on Palm Sunday during the days leading up to the Passover feast (John 12:1). It is right after Jesus triumphal entry into the city (verses 12-19) where he draws a raucous crowd, prompting the Pharisees to remark, somewhat prophetically, The whole world is going after him! (verse 19).
- Some Greeks approach Philip and tell him that they want to see Jesus. Greek was a termed used to describe non-Jewsor Gentiles. These were either Gentile converts to Judaism, or God fearersGentiles that were attracted to the monotheism and moral code of the Jews, but were put off by either Jewish social restrictions or by having to be circumcised. Philip is a Greek name (meaning lover of horses), so perhaps they approached Phillip because he spoke Greek.
- The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be an ensign for nations and the outcasts of Israel (Isaiah 11:10-12; CCC 542). The request of the Gentiles anticipates Jesus prophecy that all men will be drawn to him (John 12:32). As Gentiles visited him at his birth (Matthew 2:1-12), now they appear at the end of his ministry setting in motion the events leading up to his sacrifice, which will be for all men (John 1:29; 4:42; 1 John 2:2).
- Like a grain of wheat that falls to the ground to bring new life (verses 24-25), Jesus must endure death to bring us to eternal life. This also holds true for his disciplesdying to self, and becoming channels for others (John 12:25; 2 Corinthians 4:11-12; Mark 8:34-38; Philippians 3:10-14; CCC 161).
QUESTIONS:
- In the 1st reading, what will be some of the differences between the old covenant Jeremiah prophesies, and the new covenant? Who will be included?
- How does the 2nd reading illuminate the life of Jesus? What did he give up to be our Savior?
- In the Gospel, what brought Gentiles to Jerusalem during the time of Jewish feasts? What was so unique about their request that Philip would filter it first through Andrew?
- Jesus said several times that his hour had not yet come (John 2:4; 7:6, 30). What regarding the Gentiles request caused him to say that now the time has come (verse 23)?
- In Jesus parable (verse 24), who is the grain of wheat?
- What is Jesus calling his disciples to do in verses 25-26? What promise do they receive?
- In verses 27-32, what is about to occur now? How does this affect Jesus?
- Where is Jesus calling you to die so that you might live? How has this principal of the spiritual life manifested itself in your life? What was the fruit that resulted?
- What do you tend to hold on to, rather than follow Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 607, 434, 550, 2851-2853, 542, 662, 786, 1428, 2795
How few there are, Lord, who wish to follow you, and yet there is not one who does not wish to reach you
All men therefore wish to enjoy you, but not to the extent of following your example; they will reign with you but not suffer with you. ~St. Bernard of Clairvaux