Palm / Passion Sunday, Cycle A

Good News Inspiration for Daily Life

Bulletin Insert for Passion SundayBulletin Insert for April 2, 2023.

Description: For Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday), reflect on the meaning of the word “passion”; it has powerful implications. Theologically, we use it to describe the suffering love that Jesus endured for each of us when he was beaten, mocked and crucified as he willingly took onto himself the punishment and destructive forces of our sins.

The world counterfeits the word “passion” by applying it to strong feelings of romantic, even lustful, attraction. We also use this word to refer to a strong motivation to do something that we enjoy or care about, and thus we can say that Jesus cared “passionately” about us while enduring The Passion. The strong love that Jesus exhibited in his ministry and on Good Friday is a lesson on what it means to have “compassion” for others. We walk with them in their sufferings; we “suffer with” them. This is passionate love in its holiest form.

For discussion groups such as RCIA and Small Christian Communities (SCC), this handout asks:

  1. Looking at Isaiah 50:4-7, what are some of the ways that good Christians sometimes beat on Jesus, pluck his beard, and spit on him?
  2. How does your answer to #1 explain why Jesus emptied himself for you, as Philippians 2:6-11 describes?
  3. In what ways does the Passion of Jesus (in Matthew 26:14–27:66) minister to us in our sufferings today?

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Ideas for use: Bulletin insert for the Passion Sunday, adult education, Lenten faith sharing groups, RCIA class, etc.

Lenten resources for individual, private use can be found free on our non-profit site, Good News Ministries.

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Beth Solis, a group facilitator in Oklahoma, says, "Our members asked us in the beginning if we minded taking things slowly so we could have time to really discuss each paragraph. We always have such great discussion! The PPT has been very helpful and is a nice addition."

study group

Feedback from a study group in Florida

Sylvia says, "This experience deepened my love for the Eucharist in ways I couldn’t imagine when we first started this course."

Karen says, "I never thought that I would read an encyclical. However, using the study guide made this experience so rewarding. It broadened my view about the Eucharist and my Catholic faith that makes me love and appreciate what Jesus did for us ever more deeply."

Tim says, "Being the only convert in the group, I ascertained a better and stronger understanding of the importance of the Eucharist, not only in the Mass but also in my daily life."

Jimmy says, "I learned so much about the Eucharist that was powerful and enlightening. This course helped deepen my faith and my appreciation for the Holy Mass."

Erin says, "It was amazing to get everyone’s perspective on the readings. And it deepened my love in the beautiful gift that the Eucharist is to all humanity for our salvation."

Shirley says, "This course was so enlightening. It was a gift that helped me grow in my faith."

Which PowerPoint Presentations cover what Sacraments?

An overview of all 7 sacraments is in the PPT
"The Nature and Function of the Church".

PLUS: The sacraments are also covered in the following PPTs:

Baptism - The Call to Discipleship
& it's further developed in
1. Confession: Sacrament of Healing
2. The Creed
3. Mission of the Redeemer

Eucharist - Christ's True Presence in the Mass
& it's further developed in
1. Life in Jesus
2. Who's Who in the Catholic Church
3. Confession: Sacrament of Healing
4. The Creed

Confirmation - The Sacrament of Confirmation
& it's further developed in
1. Salvation History
2. The Nicene Creed

Reconciliation - Confession: Sacrament of Healing
& it's further developed in
1. Who's Who in the Catholic Church

Anointing of the Sick is covered primarily in
The Nature and Function of the Church

Holy Orders - Who's Who in the Catholic Church
& it's further developed in
1. Christ's True Presence in the Mass

Marriage is touched on in The Call to Discipleship