We recall the Passion of the Lord in John’s Gospel, giving thanks to God for the saving work of Christ and seeking the grace to face the agonies and sacrifices of our lives.
Readings – Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion (#40)
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We recall the Passion of the Lord in John’s Gospel, giving thanks to God for the saving work of Christ and seeking the grace to face the agonies and sacrifices of our lives.
Readings – Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion (#40)
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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.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent (#256)
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St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, pray for us!
Let’s examine some of the themes in the Mass readings for Palm Sunday.
1st Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm – 22:8-9,17-20,23-24
2nd Reading – Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel – Mark 14:1-15:47
Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (#37,#38)
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We stand before the Cross of Christ and acknowledge the darkness in our hearts. This is what inspired the love of God the Father to send his Son, to shine with heavenly light upon our world and free us from our sins.
Scripture Readings – Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
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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.
Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
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As we journey into the heart of Holy Week, let’s take a look at some of the key themes in our readings for Palm Sunday.
1st Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm – 22:8-9,17-20,23-24
2nd Reading – Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel – Luke 22:14-23:56
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The Passion of the Lord reveals God’s love for the world. May this day drive us to our knees as we accept the gift of Christ and share His love with one another.
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Pastoral Note: This post was originally given on April 12, 2014. I share it once again in the hope that all of us will enter more fully into the gift of this sacred time. Fr. Andrew
Study: Recall a time in your life when you experienced death and new life. Where did you find the strength? Who helped you through this time?
Pray: Spend some time reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus this week. Read Mark 14-16; Matthew 26-28; Luke 22-24; and John 18-21. Take in as many prayer opportunities as possible in your parish.
Serve: Who in your life is dealing with life and death issues right now? How might you be present to them to offer help, comfort, or strength?
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We enter into the heart of the Christian mystery: Holy Week offers us a time to pause, reflect, and pray as the Church ponders on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This mystery, often called the Paschal Mystery, recalls us to the saving work of the Lord. His death frees of from the burdens of sin and death, and his resurrection opens for us the path to eternal life. This mystery is profoundly experienced over the Triduum – the 3 Great Days:
On Holy Thursday we find ourselves in Jerusalem, eating with the disciples at the Lord’s Supper and feeling awkward as he washes their feet – wondering how we would react if he did that for us. We might identify with Peter or Judas – especially when we consider the times we have willingly betrayed or turned our back on the Lord.
On Good Friday we experience the physical pain, emotional abandonment, and personal humiliation on the path to Calvary (also called Golgotha or Skull Place) and look on with horror at the cruel death of Jesus. We might also consider the times we have helped others – as Simon did when he was forced to carry the Cross of Christ. And then we stand in profound sorrow with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, helpless as the innocent suffer injustice.
On Easter we wait in vigil and rise early in the morning with Mary Magdalen, only to find to our wonder and joy that the tomb is empty: Christ is alive! Our world, like that of the apostles, is changed forever as we experience new hope and life.
A word to the wise – we get out of Holy Week what we put into it. Here are some simple ways for an incredible experience.
May this be a time for all of us to grow closer to the Lord and one another.
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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.
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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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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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