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
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.
We read the Passion of Jesus Christ so that we remember each year the Lord’s sacrifice for our eternal salvation. May the Precious Blood of the Savior wash us clean and renew our hearts for this life…and the life to come.
Three Great Things 