We read the Passion of the Lord every year to remember the Lord’s sacrificial offering for the salvation of the world. May our reflection inspire us to live the gift of our lives, bought by the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
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John’s Gospel recounts how Caiaphas the High Priest prophesies how Jesus will give his life to save the nation. May these words inspire us to make the final preparations we need to enter into Holy Week with grateful hearts for all that the Lord has done for us.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
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The Psalm response today reminds us that even in the darkest moments of terror and distress we call upon the Lord for the strength we need.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 5th Week of Lent
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The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary, and the world was forever changed. May this solemnity help us to recognize God’s call for our lives as we offer each day for the Lord.
Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
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Christ urges us to stay close to His word that we might be His disciples who are guided by truth that leads to freedom from sin.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent
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The Lord reveals his identity to the Pharisees as he speaks about his crucifixion. May we look to the Cross of Christ as a reminder of the saving love of Jesus for the redemption of the world.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent
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The readings today recount two different women accused of adultery who encounter God’s justice and mercy. As we confront evil and sin in our lives, may we strive to follow the Lord.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 5th Week of Lent
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Study: What sacrifices do I currently face in my life? Do I recognize the presence of Christ as I carry my Cross?
Pray: Reflect on the Passion of the Lord. Recall the sacrifice of Jesus and take a moment to express gratitude for his love.
Serve: How might you help others face their sacrifices? Are there people you can comfort or assist as they carry their crosses?
Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
On the road to Jerusalem the Lord was dropping hints to his disciples:
“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.” Matthew 20:18-19
He knew it was coming…and he went through with it.
For us.
And just so we’re clear: not because we’ve been good and deserve it. Because we’ve sinned and cannot continue without his saving grace. The sacrifice of Christ on the Cross reveals God’s love for humanity: the fundamental value which the Lord places on ALL human life and demonstrates how love is the greatest of all commandments – for sacrifices reveal quickly and bluntly what we value, respect, cherish, and love.
And Christ sacrificed his pure and sinless life…for our sins. The more we reflect on the Passion of the Lord, the more we understand the depth of God’s love that knows no limit or boundary – a priceless gift that flows from the heart of Heaven.
Which means that as his disciples the example of Christ becomes our model. Where do we see our sacrifices today? How do we – through a sincere and genuine desire to love others – participate in the great sacrifice of Jesus? What are the Crosses in our lives, and how might we carry them with the help of one who understands the weight of the Cross?
His Cross becomes a gateway that leads to abundant life; may the crosses we carry today be received as our path that the Lord sets before us:
Have a blessed Holy Week.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Note: This post was originally published on March 22, 2015.
This Monday Conversation discusses the principal components of Mark and John’s Gospel account of the Passion, using the practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) to help us enter into this great story of God’s love for humanity.
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Jesus reveals the mystery of his saving death through an example of a grain of wheat. As we die to sin and rise with Christ, may we call upon the Lord to create a clean heart within us.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 