While Jesus is at dinner at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Mary anoints his feet with outrageously expensive perfume. May her lavish gift inspire us to be equally generous as we offer our lives for the Lord.
Following the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, the high priest Caiaphas prophesizes that “it is better that one man should die instead of the people” and reveals how the Lord saves us through his Passion and death on the Cross.
When we draw near to the Lord (in the Scriptures, Sacraments, Prayer, Fellowship, and Service) we are strengthened in faith and filled with God’s grace.
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 PSALM in light of the Passion of Jesus Christ!
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 – Mark 14:1-15:47
Take time this week to read and pray over Mark’s account of the Passion of the Lord.
May the death of Jesus help us to discern the immensity of God’s love for us all.
This 4-part parish retreat takes the listener through Holy Week:
Palm Sunday – setting the stage for the events to come
Holy Thursday – Service and Sacrament
Good Friday – Sacrifice and Support
Easter – Divine Strength and Hope
Each of these presentations can be listened individually or collectively, depending on time and circumstance. May all of us prepare to enter fully into these holy days, drawing closer to Christ and one another.
Palm Sunday– setting the stage for the events to come
Like the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies in order to bring forth new life, we die to sin and grow in grace to bring forth a spiritual, lifegiving harvest in our souls.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 