March 25, 2018, Lectionary

Open the gates of the temple. Open to me the gates of righteousness. Open my mind and attachments to the power and attractions of the cross. Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

There is joy and pleasure in considering the work of God's fingers, "hands" later but "fingers" here, signifying the precision, exquisiteness, and detail of God's creation. Psalm 8

They were actively engaged in worship, breaking and carrying branches, putting their coats on the ground before Him and picking them up after Him and repeating, shouting out loud Hosanna. It didn't last long. Mark 11:1-11

They didn't understand until later when they remembered what they had done. Sounds like me in most situations of my life!!!! John 12:12-16

Thoughts about Listening

Let us engage our minds, and not just our reflexive reactions, to comprehend and sort even the broadest implications of society's big issues. Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Springtime is a great time to consider our connections to earth and plants and animals. Psalm 8

Some people show their joy by joining loud crowds, others by being together in contemplative moods. Mark 11:1-11

Some people have great foresight; some have great hindsight. To get the two sights working together might be a valuable trick. John 12:12-16

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    Remember and tell about your most recent big family gathering where you were really happy.

2.    Read or listen to Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29. How many different pictures or metaphors can you find in this reading? Which one do you like best and why?

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 8. Do you know any songs built on words found in this psalm? What could you do to get more connected to the things of nature?

4.    Read or listen to Mark 11:1-11. Draw, dance, or dramatize this scene. Then describe in words what you see as you read: How many people are there? How quickly or slowly do they move? Is there any rhythm? Is there melody? What is the weather?

5.    Read or listen to John 12:12-16. Read this aloud together, listening to the sounds of your voices. Withdraw your mind from the story in Mark and focus on the story in John. Then let your mind come back to compare and contrast the readings as regards the pictures brought to mind. Use your imagination to discover: Where are you in that crowd?

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1.    Recuerde y hable sobre la reunión familiar más reciente en la que estuvo realmente feliz.

2.    Leer o escuchar el Salmo 118: 1-2, 19-29. ¿Cuántas imágenes o metáforas diferentes puedes encontrar en esta lectura? ¿Cuál le gusta más y por qué?

3.    Leer o escuchar el Salmo 8. ¿Conoce alguna canción basada en las palabras que se encuentran en este salmo? ¿Qué podría hacer para conectarse más con la naturaleza?

4.    Leer o escuchar Marcos 11: 1-11. Dibuje, baile o dramatize esta escena. Luego describa con palabras lo que ve mientras lee: ¿Cuántas personas hay? ¿Qué tan rápido o lento se mueven? ¿Hay algún ritmo? ¿Hay melodía? ¿Cuál es el clima?

5.    Leer o escuchar Juan 12: 12-16. Lea esto en voz alta, escuchando los sonidos de sus voces. Retire su mente de la historia en Marcos y céntrese en la historia de Juan. Luego, deje que su mente vuelva para comparar y contrastar las lecturas con respecto a las imágenes que vienen a su mente. Use su imaginación para descubrir: ¿Dónde está en esa multitud?