March 28, 2010: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

"...Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross"

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of 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 the holiest of weeks for Christians. 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. The entrance into Jerusalem is very celebratory. But by the end of the week in the same city, Jesus will be condemned to die as a criminal. We enter into this week with Jesus. On Thursday night Lent ends and the Sacred Triduum begins – triduum means “three” days. We join in the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples on Holy Thursday, remember 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.