9 Apr
Sun
PALM SUNDAY
Is. 50:4-7
Ps. 22(21):8-9,17-18,19-20,23-24
Phil. 2:6-11
Mt. 26:14-27:66 (or 27:11-54)
(Ps Wk II)
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Today's liturgy and especially the readings help us to prepare ourselves for Passion Week. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Passion and the resurrection of Our Lord together with the Ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit complete the salvific action of Our Lord. In these coming two weeks we concentrate on Jesus' passion and death. Phil 2:6-11 and Jn 3:16 together remind us how much God loves us. And the love that led to Jesus' Passion-Death-Resurrection does not end with that mystery but continues for ever in the life of his disciples.

Isaiah 50 and Psalm 22:8,16 foretold the sufferings that Jesus would endure. Suffering in itself is not redemptive but it reveals to us that our God is not a conqueror who kills his opponents, but one who loves even those who consider him an enemy to the point of crucifying him on the Cross. Jesus revealed God to us and showed that love that God has for us impelled him to act. Suffering is a consequence of that love.



Lord, sometimes I choose to follow You, unaware of what is to come. Then, at times so much is against me that I am shaken. Come to my aid in those moments to remind me that Your glory is in the resurrection. Lord, give me hope.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That young people may respond generously to their vocations and seriously consider offering themselves to God in the priesthood or consecrated life.
Elaboration

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