March 1 – Jesus arrives in Jerusalem
Scope: This session begins the 5-week Lenten Program: The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus from St. Matthew’s Gospel. We will focus of the person of St. Matthew and examine, in detail, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We will also take a closer look at the cleansing of the Temple, and the beginning of the conflicts in Jerusalem with the Religious Leaders.
March 8 – Jesus' Conflicts with Religious Leaders
Scope: The religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with a series of spiritual and biblical questions. Jesus thwarts their efforts and challenges the traditional insights into faith. Jesus also uses this time to teach his disciples (and us) about the Kingdom of Heaven through parables. In this session, we will also cover the story of paying tax to Caesar; the discussion of the ‘end times’; and Jesus’ prediction of the fall of Jerusalem.
March 15 – Jesus’ Last Supper and Arrest
Scope: Jesus loves Parables in Matthew. We will look at several that Matthew places into Holy Week. We will examine, in depth, the Sacred Meal that Jesus celebrates with his disciples. We will also look at the scene in Gethsemane; Judas’ betrayal; introduce Christ’s trails before Pilate; and Peter’s denial.
March 22 - Jesus’ Passion and Death
Scope: We will look at the trials of Jesus before Pilate; the scourging and crucifixion of Jesus. We will examine the characters of Pilate, Barabbas and Simon of Cyrene. The passion narrative is extremely rich with spiritual depth and theological insights. We will spend time looking at the Passion through the lens of St. Matthew.
March 29 – Jesus’ Resurrection
Scope: The Resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith as Catholic-Christians. Matthew gives a unique theological perspective that we will examine. We will also focus on the role of Mary Magdalene; the Shroud of Turin; the resurrection accounts and Christ’s great commission.
