April 5, 2009: Palm Sunday

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)

This week is Holy Week. No other week in the year is called “holy.” It is truly a holy week for during this week we remember in a very special way Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. We begin this week with a procession on Palm Sunday that recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. We enter into this week with Jesus. On Thursday night Lent ends and the Sacred Triduum begins — triduum means “three” days. We join in Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples on Holy Thursday, enter into his passion and death on Good Friday, and wait in quiet prayer on Holy Saturday as we look forward to celebrating his glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Action:

Be an active participant in Holy Week. Suggest to your family that all of you join your parish community on Thursday night for The Lord’s Supper and on Good Friday for the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion and Death. Plan to fast on Good Friday! Take time for quiet prayer on Holy Saturday. How will Easter Sunday be a day of celebration for you and your family? Make plans now.