Fifth Sunday of Lent - Cycle B
March 25, 2012
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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 Sunday’s 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 term used to describe non-Jews—or Gentiles. These were either Gentile converts to Judaism, or “God fearers”—Gentiles 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 disciples—dying 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 Gentile’s 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?
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