Knowing God by Heart

Readings for Sunday, March 18, 2018 — Fifth Sunday of Lent

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 14-15; Hebrews 5:7-9; John 12:20-33

Suggested Reflection Questions:

  • We hear in the first reading more of the covenantal language we heard last week. Why do you think Lent is a time to reflect on covenants? If God were to make a new covenant with us today, what would that look like?
  • What’s the difference between knowing God in your head and knowing God in your heart, as the first reading describes? In which way do you feel you know God better? What are some steps you can take to get to know God better in your heart?
  • In the psalm, we hear the psalmist ask for a clean heart. How does this apply to Lent? What do you want God to wash away from your heart this Lent? How are you doing on your Lenten promises? What have been your triumphs and struggles?
  • What does it mean that Jesus admits, “I am troubled now”? How does it feel to know that even Jesus struggled to follow God’s call and shared in the same feelings of anxiety that we face?
  • When in your life have you experienced fruit growing from a fallen grain of wheat? In other words, when has the death of something resulted in new life for you?