First
Reading
Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1
1. Who is prefigured in this reading from the book of Zechariah? Another part of it says that God will pour out a spirit of grace and petition on the people. How is this related to the death of Christ, the pierced one?
2. Do you forgive other people if they “repent,” or do you demand more? Are there people you have offended and whom you need to ask forgiveness? Has your country pierced individuals or groups of people? How about your church? Is there anything you can do about the latter two?
Second Reading
Galatians 3:26-29
1. Are we an equal opportunity church? What happens in the baptismal garment to traits like gender, color, race, social status, sexual orientation and allegiance to points of view different than our own? On a scale with 1 (very inclusive) to 10 (very exclusive), rate where you fall in accepting everyone in your daily life.
2. There are some people who for one reason or another do not “put on Christ.” Did Christ redeem them too? Maybe there the ones you love who decide not to be completely clothed in Christ for a while. Do you think God sees you praying for them? Could they be still connected as long as you’re holding on to them? Discuss.
Gospel
Luke 9:18-24
1. By asking his disciples who they thought he was, Jesus used the opportunity to reveal his mission to them: to be rejected, to die and to rise. Do you think the disciples understood at the time? What do you think about “rejection” having the same importance as “dying and rising?” What did he say they had to do if they were going to follow him?
2. Are there any implications for you if you know who Christ is and what his mission is about? If picking up your cross is a formidable task, do you have to think of all the years to come, or could you just pick up today’s cross?
