The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel is an well-known passage that illustrates our faith in God in difficult and challenging times. May we be inspired in our daily struggles to hold fast to our faith, recognizing that these are opportunities to witness our love for the Lord.
The Psalm response offers us a framework for a prayer to the Lord from the depths of our hearts. In our need, may we trust in God’s mercy as we seek the pilgrim path of our lives.
Just as the Lord extends his mercy to the woman caught in adultery, Christ also offers his mercy to us when we acknowledge our sins and with humble honesty.
Let’s examine some of the major themes that surface in our readings for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.
1st Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7
This passage of the “Suffering Servant” is interpreted by the Church to apply directly to Jesus.
Note how it is written in the first person, from the Lord’s perspective, and points to the agony of the Passion.
Psalm – 22: 8-9,17-20,23-24
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
This Psalm offers a prophecy that is fulfilled with the Passion of the Lord.
I strongly suggest that we all read Psalm 22 repeatedly during Holy Week. For although it begins in anguish and suffering, it ends with a resounding praise of the glory of God.
2nd Reading – Philippians 2:6-11
Jesus humbly “empties himself” and takes on our human form in order to die on the Cross for our sins.
Because of this sacrifice, Jesus Christ is exalted above all creation, and we acknowledge him as Lord.
Gospel – Matthew 26:14-27:66
This is the great drama of God’s love for us!
Do yourself a favor and take time this week to slowly read and reflect on the Passion of our Lord. Seriously, just do it, and offer a prayer of gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.
The account of the raising of Lazarus provides us with an insight into the Lord’s love for him and his sisters, Martha and Mary. Yet as we enter into the eleventh chapter of John’s Gospel, we discover that this passage applies directly to our lives as well.
Come, Holy Spirit! is a six week series of presentations on the Holy Spirit. This fifth talk discusses the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and shows how they cooperate with other virtues to form us for holiness as Sons and Daughters of God. This fifth presentation was given by Fr. Andrew at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI on March 23, 2023.
Jesus speaks about the sources of testimony about himself: John the Baptist, the works that Christ performs, his heavenly Father, and the Scriptures themselves. May this testimony foster our faith to follow the Lord with all our heart!
Jesus speaks about his profound relationship with his heavenly Father, teaching that he will one day judge all souls in the resurrection that leads either to life or death. May we embrace our faith in Christ today, preparing ourselves for the moment when we stand before the Lord.
Three Great Things 