The Passion of the Lord is proclaimed within the shadow of the Cross, where we discover how love, sacrifice, and humility shape our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Let’s examine some of the themes in the Mass readings for Palm Sunday.
1st Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7
The prophet speaks to the weary rousing words with the help of God.
He is not disgraced, even in the face of attack and mockery.
Psalm – 22:8-9,17-20,23-24
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
READ THIS ENTIRE PSALM in light of the Passion of Jesus Christ! It is worth your time and effort.
2nd Reading – Philippians 2:6-11
Jesus “emptied himself” by taking on our human form and being crucified for our sake.
Because of his obedience to the Father’s will, his name is exalted above all names, and before him every knee shall bend – in heaven, on earth, and under the earth – proclaiming that he is Lord.
Gospel – Luke 22:14-23:56
Take time this week to read these two chapters and pray over Luke’s account of the Passion of the Lord.
May the death of Jesus help us to comprehend the immensity of God’s love for us all.
As Jesus is presented in the temple, Simeon and Anna are able to see with the eyes of faith that this little baby is the messiah and savior of the world.
The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul offers us tremendous hope that God can touch even the hardest heart and bring about a life-giving transformation.
As Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River, the Holy Trinity is revealed in full glory, calling forth our response to reject what is evil and follow the Lord with all our heart.
Let’s explore the themes we find in the Mass readings for the Baptism of the Lord.
1st Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
The chosen servant has received the spirit of God and will bring forth justice.
The servant will establish a covenant with the people and bring light and healing to the nations.
Psalm – 29:1-4,9-10
“The Lord will bless his people with peace.”
We give glory and praise to God, who is enthroned as king forever.
2nd Reading – Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
Peter speaks to the people in the house of Cornelius, saying that God shows no partiality.
He then recounts the basic facts about Jesus, inviting the people to fear God and act uprightly.
Gospel – Luke 3:15-16,21-22
John the Baptist denies that he is the Christ; rather, he states that a mightier one is coming.
As Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends upon him in the form of a dove, and the voice of the Father proclaims, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”