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.
Let’s examine some of the themes we find in the Mass readings for the 25th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Wisdom 2:12,17-20
The just person is beset by the wicked, who threaten revilement and torture to test for patience and gentleness.
The wicked will condemn the just person to death, to see if God will offer care and protection.
Psalm – 54:3-8
“The Lord upholds my life.”
In the face of oppression and attack, we call upon the Lord for help and defense.
2nd Reading – James 3:16-4:3
War and conflict arises from the passions and desires within us.
Wisdom and peace arise from what is above, fostering virtue and fruitfulness.
Gospel – Mark 9:30-37
Jesus offers the second prophecy of his passion.
After hearing how the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest, Jesus places a child in their midst and speaks about becoming the servant of all.
The glory of the Transfiguration of Jesus gives hope and consolation to Peter, James and John as Jesus speaks about his upcoming Passion and death on the Cross.
Every year we hear God’s great love story when we recall the Passion of Jesus. Rather than fall into the trap of forgetfulness, we remember what Christ has done for us so that we might be renewed to offer our lives for the Lord.
The Psalm response stirs our hearts to offer our lives each and every day in service to God. May we call upon the Lord’s grace to journey through life with open eyes as we say, “Here am I, Lord!”
St. Paul offers himself as an example, preaching the Gospel and training his body and soul with the same intensity as an athlete preparing for a great race. May we do the same, living for the Lord with conviction and drive.
Matthew’s Gospel offers the second prediction of the Lord’s Passion, reminding us that all disciples must face the Cross as they journey through this life.
John the Baptist came to point others to Jesus, and his death inspires us to face our sufferings with fervent hope in Christ through His victory on the Cross.
We read the Passion of Christ ever year, not as some sad, distant, impersonal story that happen long ago, but as OUR STORY – a reminder that Christ endured his Cross for US, for our our sins and transgressions. As we enter into this sacred season, may we draw near to the one who saves and sets us free.
And if you would like to have a mini-retreat this week, I invite you to listen to any of these podcasts from my Mission last year in Arizona.
Walking with the Lord in Holy Week(March 9-12, 2015 – Our Lady of the Valley – Green Valley, AZ) This parish mission takes the listener on a journey with Christ – from his entry into Jerusalem, through the Last Supper, his Passion, and his Resurrection.
Three Great Things 