St. Paul warns the people of Corinth to avoid idolatry, noting the profound difference between receiving the Body and Blood of Christ as opposed to the sacrifices offered to demons.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 23rd Week of the Year
***************
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?
Palm Sunday Readings (with Year B reading for the Procession with Palms)
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.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 