Lent 2004 - Cycle C - Revised Common Lectionary
February 29 through April 4, 2004
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: Come let us adore him. (Antiphon for Lent, Book of Common Prayer, page 81) And what if, during this season of Lent, we sought a deeper understanding of this amazing gospel of grace. Will that image of grace energize us to do the spiritual housekeeping we need to be ready for the "new thing" God is doing in Easter?
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 28, 2004
John 12: 1 - 8
A notation for this week's Gospel
The imported perfume -- worth a year's wages -- poured out on the feet of Jesus. Was it an obscene waste of valuable resources that could have been used to feed the poor -- or an orthodox preparation of a body for burial? How do we become responsible stewards knowing when to store up and when to pour out?
Lesson Plans for Adults
Theme: The fragrance of generosity
Before Class. You will need Bibles.
Beginning. As we read today's Scripture, suggest the group reflect on how we make decisions about when to generously pour out what we have and when to be judicious stewards of our resources.
Opening Prayer. "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed." (Psalm 126:4)
The Scripture. John 12: 1 - 8. Ask for a volunteer to read the passage after which you will keep silence for a moment or two, allowing people to reflect on what they heard, or to go back and re-read a portion of it.
Ask for a different volunteer to read the passage one more time.
Allow a moment of two of silence.
Suggest that four people volunteer to represent Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Judas. The rest of the group can offer ideas as the four continue the dinner party -- the fragrance of Mary's perfume heavy in the air, the tension that Jesus will soon be gone, and the boding betrayal of Judas.
