Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 04-14-19, Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 04-14-19 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

Which Crowd Am I In?

Pastor’s Column

Palm Sunday, 2019

It’s funny how so many people pay strict attention to their health, finances, education, material possessions and well-being, but pay little or no attention to their souls (which last forever) and what makes us pleasing in the sight of God, like keeping his commandments. We tell ourselves that we would never be among the crowd that would crucify Our Lord, but our actions will tell us the real story.

Every year we hear the account of Our Lord’s passion on Palm Sunday and then again on Good Friday. The various reaction of the crowd reminds me of a song by the Stylistics that has these lines in it: ”First you love me, then you hate me, that’s a game for fools!”  I know this song is not in the Bible, but it does pretty much sum up the changing emotions of the spectators in the passion drama. The people of Jesus’ time had mixed emotions where Our Lord was concerned!

What in the world is going on here? It would appear that the same people who are crying “Hosanna to the King!” as Jesus enters Jerusalem are yelling “Crucify him! Crucify him!” only a few days later. So what changed?

You will also notice that we ourselves in the Palm Sunday liturgy play both parts. We begin Palm Sunday entering the church with our palm branches waving and the joy of singing, but it isn’t long until we ourselves are asked to also play the part of yelling “Crucify him! Crucify him!” during the reading of the passion.

Unfortunately, this phenomenon of both glorifying and reviling Christ are parts that most of us play regularly. We love him, and yet we also at times can commit terrible sins against him. Jesus, in fact, makes himself just as vulnerable to us in our own era as he did 2000 years ago. He invites us to love him by our trying to keep his commandments and to trust him by accepting the inevitable crosses that come our way. At times, we can react in ways that glorify God with a cry of “Hosanna”, while at other times we can react with rebellion, mistrust and sin. In essence, our actions in such moments are as if we were yelling, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

We live in the middle of a huge battleground; the battlefield is called life on earth and it is our souls that are at stake. Those who don’t realize this can risk putting their eternity in danger by making wrong choices. The forces of evil, the sins that we commit tend to pull us toward hell, while our choices for Christ pull us toward heaven. In this brief and transitory life in this material world, we are daily called to make good choices for God; and by our choices we are deciding whether to “crucify” the will of God for our lives or to cry “hosanna” to his will!

Father Gary   

[Salvation]

Reflections from Scott Hahn

Passion of the Christ: Scott Hahn Reflects on Passion Sunday

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Readings:
Isaiah 50:4–7
Psalm 22:8–9, 17–20, 23–24
Philippians 2:6–11
Luke 22:14–23:56

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“What is written about Me is coming to fulfillment,” Jesus says in today’s Gospel (see Luke 22:37).

Indeed, we have reached the climax of the liturgical year, the highest peak of salvation history, when all that has been anticipated and promised is to be fulfilled.

By the close of today’s long Gospel, the work of our redemption will have been accomplished, the new covenant will be written in the blood of His broken body hanging on the cross at the place called the Skull.

In His Passion, Jesus is “counted among the wicked,” as Isaiah had foretold (see Isaiah 53:12). He is revealed definitively as the Suffering Servant the prophet announced, the long-awaited Messiah whose words of obedience and faith ring out in today’s First Reading and Psalm.

The taunts and torments we hear in these two readings punctuate the Gospel as Jesus is beaten and mocked (see Luke 22:63–65; 23:10–11, 16), as His hands and feet are pierced (see Luke 23:33), as enemies gamble for His clothes (see Luke 23:34), and as three times they dare Him to prove His divinity by saving Himself from suffering (see Luke 23:35, 37, 39).

He remains faithful to God’s will to the end, does not turn back in His trial. He gives Himself freely to His torturers, confident that, as He speaks in today’s First Reading: “The Lord God is My help . . . I shall not be put to shame.”

Destined to sin and death as children of Adam’s disobedience, we have been set free for holiness and life by Christ’s perfect obedience to the Father’s will (see Romans 5:12–14, 17–19; Ephesians 2:2; 5:6).

This is why God greatly exalted Him. This is why we have salvation in His Name. Following His example of humble obedience in the trials and crosses of our lives, we know we will never be forsaken, that one day we too will be with Him in Paradise (see Luke 23:42). Seeing and Believing.

[Salvation]

Passion/Palm Sunday - The ultimate sacrifice

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord"

Luke 22: 14 - 23: 56

The word: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/041419.cfm

"He emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

coming in human weakness."

(Phil 2: 6-11)

Our Lent, as it always does, begins with palms and ends with palms.  So, the palms we hold today are not just “leaves” from bushes grown for this purpose.  Five weeks ago, we were marked with ashes on our foreheads and those ashes came from at least some of the burned palm leaves from last year as the ones we received today.  And so this week we mark the end of Lent and the beginning of a week made holy by the events that we will remember. These events in the earthly life of Jesus forever have changed humankind and our friendship with God. 

But, the palms, or likely also olive branches with silvery-green leaves, were waived by the adoring crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey not long after he had raised his friend Lazarus from the dead.  It’s not a scene of sadness or betrayal, which will come in a few days, but rather a scene of praise; a royal moment in which the frenzied population shouted and acclaimed Jesus as their King! With all this acclamation how could anything be better or go wrong? After all, his words were transforming, his miraculous power was impressive and mysterious, and his gentleness and mercy to all he encountered was becoming legendary. But, we know that not all were wild with admiration. In fact, their wish was anything but supportive; it was ominous and sinister.

So, our liturgy this week takes us through praise, betrayal, rejection, abandonment, sacrifice, service, a life poured out in pain and suffering, and final glory and miracle.  On Wednesday of this week we hear of Judas, a trusted Apostle, who turned dark and whose spirit became corrupted with greed. Jesus characterized the moment as he identified Satan’s work again in a spirit of betrayal as he was confronted in the desert.

So Judas turns Jesus in to the authorities who are seeking to know where he hides out with his trusted circle.  “In the olive garden below Jerusalem - in that valley at night,” states Judas.  Did he know what the real motive for Jesus’ capture would be?  It is hard to imagine that Judas would have secretly plotted for Jesus’ demise and death after following him for such a long time.  Judas witnessed his miracles; heard his teaching; he saw the rapt admiration of the crowds.  How could he have gone so far to have conspired with his captors for Jesus destruction?

It is more likely a plot gone badly.  Judas was betrayed as well.  Maybe his misguided intention was to allow Jesus the opportunity to be questioned by the Jewish authorities, all the while hoping that Jesus would use his miraculous power to align in overturning the Roman forces of occupation?  Yet, he may have not have known the Jewish authorities were also using him for their own dark intentions.

Nonetheless, it was a betrayal indeed.  Judas despaired, which in the least shows his remorse but inability to seek forgiveness from the one who surely would have offered it to him.

Even sadder, we know of Jesus’ “rock” – Peter who perhaps even more than Judas betrayed our Lord outright.  Not in a secret plot but boldly denied, out loud, three times that he even knew Jesus at all! At least Judas did not deny that he knew Jesus quite well.  Peter, in cowardly weakness, disavowed himself and turned so regrettably to an action that brought him to weep and deeply regret but thankfully, not to despair.  And Jesus forgave him along the Sea of Galilee after he appeared in risen form – “Peter, do you love me?”  Three times to redeem Peter and prepare him for the mission ahead, the risen Lord commanded Peter: “Feed my sheep”

Thursday, called Holy, we see the profound humility of God we hear of on Palm Sunday in our Second reading from Philippians 2: 6-11: “He humbled himself, taking on the form of a slave . . .” And so Jesus washes the feet of his disciples, among whom we could assume Judas was included.  God washed their feet as an unforgettable example of love poured out for others.  Then he further gave him his body and blood in the Eucharist and forever commissioned them to “Do this in memory of me.” 

We move then to the central image of the Christian faith, the cross, known in ancient times as the most tortuous and barbaric death reserved for the most hardened criminals.  Why did Jesus die in spite of his innocence?  Scholars tell us it was the charge of blasphemy brought against him; that he claimed to be equal to God, and implied that indeed he is God among us. The greatest violation of the First Commandment was to claim to be God or equal to him; a charge deserving of death.  Despite Pilate’s objection that he found no reason to crucify Jesus, he acquiesced to the crowds, or at least those who presented Jesus, to have him eliminated. And so, this death was for that eternal truth and so the Cross is forever a sign of hope and salvation for humanity.

+  +  +

Our dramatic week reaches its ultimate peak next Saturday at the Evening Vigil – the central celebration of the entire Liturgical Year is that sacred night at which new members are washed in baptism and anointed with the Chrism in Confirmation, then feed on Christ himself in the Holy Eucharist.  We hear the stories of salvation from the Old Testament and the unexpected confusion turned to joy from the empty tomb of Jesus to his appearance to Mary Magdalen and all Easter season to the awestruck Apostles.

It is unlike any other time of year.  If you can, plan to attend all the Holy Week Services.  Yes, you will spend more time in Church this week and yes the services will be longer than normal. Remember no one ever died of “terminal Church.” Your family or relatives or neighbors might brand you as somehow overly religious if you do so – or even if you come to Good Friday in addition to Easter Vigil or Sunday.  But, it is an opportunity to evangelize and to show the depth to which God gave his life on the Cross for you and for them. Invite them to come with you. 

So, let’s give thanks and pray for the grace to come to resurrection – a Sunday of miracle and renewed faith along all in the Christian world.

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

April 14, 2019 – King of Hearts

14 Apr 2019

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Luke 23:1-49

 

Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying, “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Messiah, a king.” Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, “I find this man not guilty.” But they were adamant and said, “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here.” On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. Even Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them, “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So, no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore, I shall have him flogged and then release him.” But all together they shouted out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.” (Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder.) Again, Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate addressed them a third time, “What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore, I shall have him flogged and then release him.” With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So, he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished. As they led him away, they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine, they called out, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the Temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.

 

Introductory Prayer: Heavenly Father, I look to you with great confidence as I set out this week to walk the path to Calvary accompanying your Beloved Son on his way to redeeming us. I know this period is an opportunity to see my difficulties and trials as ways to conform my life better to that of your Son. Here I am Lord, ready and desiring to learn from you and imitate you.

Petition: Lord Jesus, let my thirst for happiness be quenched by your love.

1. The Search for Happiness: Everyone is passionately fond of liberty, but there is one thing we crave even more, and without which existence and even liberty is painful: happiness. It is one of life’s greatest paradoxes that as much as people seek to be free, they still wish to be a slave; not a slave in the sense that their liberty is denied to them, but in the sense that they yearn for something they can worship, something that will solicit their will, pull at their heartstrings, tempt their energies and command their affections. They want to be free to choose between various kinds of happiness, but they do not want to be free from happiness; they wish to be its slave.

2. Two Ways: There are two ways of responding to this hunger of the soul and this thirst of the heart: one is the way of the world, the other is the way of Christ. Before we indulge in the pleasures of the world, they seem desirable and appear to be all that we will need to make us happy. But after we have them, they become disappointing and sometimes even disgusting. The contrary is true of the pleasures of Christ. Before we have them, they are hard, unattractive, and even repulsive. But after we possess them, they are satisfying and become all our heart could ever desire.

3. Jesus Christ Is the Answer: What the world deems success is really failure and unhappiness. What the world deems failure and defeat is really success and victory. This reality is played out in Our Lord’s Passion. Jesus is the happiness we seek and the answer to all our desires. His way is the way of the cross, and therefore, as his followers, we must follow the same path. Jesus assures us that the poor shall not always be poor; the crucified shall not be always on a cross; the poor shall be rich; the lowly shall be exalted; those who sow in tears shall reap in joy; those who mourn shall be comforted; and those who suffer with Christ shall reign with him. In the words of the poet Francis Thompson, Christ says to you, “All which I took from thee I did but take, not for thy harms, but just that thou might’st seek it in my arms. All which thy child’s mistake fancies as lost, I have stored for thee at home: Rise, clasp my hand, and come!”

Conversation with Christ: Jesus, come and be the king of my heart. During this week of your Passion I want to grow in my love and appreciation for you and all you do for me. Help me with your grace to be a faithful follower and give me the strength to take up my cross with love and generosity.

 

Resolution: I will visit Our Lord in the Eucharist, renewing my desire to be totally his and praying that Jesus be totally mine.

[Salvation]

Palm Sunday: Isolation & Innocence

Gayle Somers

“Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt 21:9)

Gospel (Read Lk 22:14-23:56)

On Palm Sunday, Catholics all over the globe, in every nation and time zone, in public and sometimes in secret, stand at attention to hear the longest Gospel narrative of the entire liturgical year. This riveting episode needs no interpretation. Young and old, male and female, educated and uneducated, sophisticated and simple—all of us are caught up in the story and understand it.

Why is it so universally accessible? The answer must be because it is a truly human drama, with the kinds of characters, action, plots and subplots, emotions, twists and turns that all of us know. Who among us has not experienced something of betrayal, fear, humiliation, misrepresentation, powerlessness, malice from others, remorse, and dark foreboding? This Passion story is not one told in philosophical, theological, or metaphorical language. No, this story is our story, full of the truths of life that no one ever has to teach us.

Because of its length and density of details, a comprehensive commentary is not possible here (see Jesus of Nazareth:  Holy Weekby Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for a truly glorious examination of all the Passion Scriptures).  Still, many of us can be helped to stay attentive (we need help because, alas, we are like the apostles who kept dozing while Jesus agonized in Gethsemane) as it is read at Mass by pondering beforehand several of the story’s most fascinating themes:  isolation, innocence, and irony.

 

Isolation:

Although Jesus was nearly always surrounded by people in the various Passion scenes, we see how increasingly isolated He became, perhaps most startlingly even when He’s with His friends. At the Last Supper, although Jesus told the apostles He eagerly “desired to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer,” they were so unfocused and self-centered that “an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest.”

How far away from Him they were in their hearts and minds! Jesus knew this, of course. When Peter vowed that he was ready to die with the Lord, Jesus warned him that before the morning arrived, he would three times deny even knowing Him.

It wasn’t only Peter, either. The apostles completely misunderstood Jesus’ instructions about preparing themselves to continue His mission without Him and to be ready for long and arduous spiritual battle. They thought He wanted them to take up arms and fight for Him with swords. As He prayed in His agony on the Mount of Olives, His friends could not stay awake with Him.

His betrayal was by one of His own; a kiss that should have meant friendship meant death instead. When Jesus had to carry His cross to “the place called the Skull,” a stranger, Simon of Cyrene, had to be pressed into service to help Him, so far were His friends from Him. In death, His isolation was complete. We know from other Gospel accounts that Jesus felt utterly, completely forsaken.

Innocence:

There is no avoiding the repeated testimonies, from all sorts of people, that Jesus was innocent of any crime. He was the first to profess it, saying to those who arrested Him, “Have you come out against a robber, with swords and clubs?” When Pilate interrogated Him, he told the crowd three times, “I found Him guilty of no capital crime.” Herod, too, acquitted Him.

Even in His dying moments, one of the criminals hanging next to Jesus recognized that “this man has done nothing criminal.” Finally, a Roman centurion who had “witnessed what had happened” proclaimed, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” The Son of God, the Son of Perfect Justice, became the willing victim of supreme injustice.

Irony:

By the time we get to the Passion narratives in the Gospels, we ought to be used to seeing irony (words or events that seem to mean one thing but actually mean something else) aplenty in our salvation story. We know that Peter believed himself ready to go to prison and die for Jesus. Yet, as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has suggested, it was Peter’s “heroism” that caused his downfall:

“But [Peter] must learn that even martyrdom is no heroic achievement: rather, it is a grace to be able to suffer for Jesus… His desire to rush in—his heroism—leads to his denial. In order to secure his place by the fire in the forecourt of the high priest’s palace, and in order to keep abreast of every development in Jesus’ destiny as it happens, he claims not to know Him. His heroism falls to pieces in a small-minded tactic… He must learn the way of the disciple in order to be led, when his hour comes, to the place where he does not want to go (cf. Jn 21:18) and to receive the grace of martyrdom.” (Jesus of Nazareth, Part II, pg 71-72).

The crowd before Pilate clamored for Barabbas, a rebel murderer, to be freed instead of Jesus.  So, the guilty “son of the father” (the meaning of his name) was set free by the Divine Son of the Father, an ironic playing out of the meaning of the Crucifixion.  Finally, what Herod, the usurper king of the Jews, did in mockery as he put Jesus in “resplendent garb,” and what the Romans, likewise in mockery, wrote on His Cross, “The King of the Jews,” actually presented Jesus to the world as He really is—the true King over a kingdom that can only be gained through humility.  The authorities (those with power) all ridiculed this King; only a dying criminal could see the truth: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

As we make our way through Holy Week to the glory of Easter, let us resolve not to isolate Jesus by our lack of focus, our density, or our sloth; to remember that the Innocent One stepped in to redeem us, the guilty; to embrace all the ironies of living the Christian life, as baffling as they can sometimes be.

Possible response: Lord Jesus, please keep Your eye fixed on me this week. I have it in me to fail You.

First Reading (Read Isa 50:4-7)

The prophet, Isaiah, because he lived during a time of great covenant unfaithfulness in God’s people (about the 8th century B.C.), had to deliver dire warnings of coming catastrophe unless the people repented. He prophesied that judgment would inevitably fall, but Isaiah also spoke of a coming restoration, when their punishment would end, and the people would once again flourish in their land.

Remarkably, Isaiah’s prophecies included detailed descriptions of a Suffering Servant who would play a significant role in this restoration. Through his innocent, willing suffering, the sin of the people would be forgiven. Here, of course, we have an astounding Messianic prophecy of Jesus, the Innocent One Who suffered on behalf of all people, making our redemption possible. There are several “songs” in Isaiah about this Suffering Servant.

Sunday’s reading highlights the determination of the Servant to stay the course set out for him, regardless of the physical violence and acts of degradation against him. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, Who “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51) and quietly endured contemptuous brutality, as we see in the Gospel reading.

Although Jesus wrestled in the Garden with His natural desire to avoid suffering, He rose from His agonized prayer to fulfill Isaiah’s words: “I have not rebelled, have not turned back” (Isa 50:5).

Possible response: LORD, I need the courage and perseverance of the Suffering Servant to do Your will when I face opposition. Please grant me that grace in the Eucharist today.

Psalm (Read Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24)

We can’t read this psalm without being amazed at how accurately it describes some of the details of the Crucifixion. That is why we understand it as a Messianic psalm, written by David, King of Israel, hundreds of years earlier. David, like Jesus, was persecuted unjustly. His enemies wanted to destroy him, and his suffering made him cry out, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

However, in a verse not included in our reading, David acknowledges that God has not forsaken him: “For He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and He has not hid His face from him, but has heard when he cried out to Him” (Ps 22:24). This is the turning point of the psalm. David goes on to see a time when he will be restored and be able to “proclaim Your Name to my brethren in the midst of the assembly” (Ps 2:25), even being able to “eat and be satisfied” (Ps 22:26).

In other words, David sees life after his suffering, something wonderful from God on the other side of it that will cause all Israel to “give glory to Him…revere Him” (Ps 22:23).

Is it any wonder, then, that this psalm was on the lips of Jesus as He was dying on the Cross? The separation from God He experienced as He bore the full weight of all humanity’s sin made Him feel abandoned, as did David, but He had the hope of the psalmist, too: “Posterity shall serve Him; men shall tell of the LORD to the coming generation, and proclaim His deliverance to a people yet unborn” (Ps 22:30). We cannot doubt that this psalm, known so well to Jesus, gave Him courage as He drank His cup of suffering to its bitter end.

Possible response: The psalm is, itself, a response to our other readings. Read it again prayerfully to make it your own.

Second Reading (Read Phil 2:6-11)

St. Paul gives us a summary of the Incarnation and, with it, a preview of what lies beyond the sober details of today’s Gospel narrative. Jesus left His glory in heaven to become one of us, yet He became more “us” than we are ourselves. God made us for obedience to Him, which would enable us to live in His “image and likeness” and be truly happy. We, however, always choose disobedience, so, on our own, we never really reach who we actually are.

Jesus chose perfect obedience for us, even unto death. Therefore, God gave Him the Name that will eventually cause every knee to bend and every tongue confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” In all our other readings today, we see the Suffering Servant, stripped of power and glory, the very image of weakness and defeat. In this epistle, we see King Jesus, exalted and glorified and worthy of praise—the perfect anticipation of the joy of Easter!

Possible response: King Jesus, help me to believe that the way of humility and obedience is alwaysthe path to glory.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Espanol

All Issues > Volume 35, Issue 3

<< Sunday, April 14, 2019 >>

Passion (Palm) Sunday

Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
View Readings

(Entrance Processional)
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Luke 22:14�23:56
Similar Reflections

FORGIVING AND GIVING ALL

"In His anguish He prayed with all the greater intensity, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. Then He rose from prayer and came to His disciples." �Luke 22:44-45

Jesus prayed always (see Lk 18:1). He even prayed while He was hanging on the cross and dying. He prayed: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34). With His last breath, He prayed: "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit" (Lk 23:46). These two prayers are related. To give ourselves totally to the Lord, we must forgive. When Jesus taught us to pray, He taught us to ask our Father in heaven to give us our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses. If we do not give forgiveness, we are not giving our "all." Therefore, we are not giving as Jesus gives. Thus, we must forgive in order to give our lives to the Lord.

During Holy Week, we are encouraged to accept the grace to forgive all those who have sinned against us. Jesus forgave us for participating in His crucifixion through our sins. We have been forgiven the unimaginable sin of being involved in crucifying God (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 598; cf Acts 3:15). In thanksgiving for being forgiven, we should pass on the Lord's forgiveness to those who have sinned against us (Mt 18:33). Jesus died forgiving His enemies. May we live forgiving our enemies and thereby give our lives to Him as a total, unblemished sacrifice (see Lv 1:3; cf Rm 12:1).

Prayer: Father, make this week holy through miracles of forgiveness. May I decide to accept these miracles now on the first day of Holy Week.

Promise: "He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" �Phil 2:8

Praise: All hail, King Jesus, suffering servant and Messiah! Your name is above every other name. All glory be to You.

[Salvation]