The Palm Sunday Gospel for April 17, 2011 covers the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, and Jesus’ Passion and death (Matthew 26:14-27). This Gospel covers all the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary. There is just so much in this Gospel it is almost a shame that we read it all at once instead of breaking it up over several Masses. But just because you read the Gospel straight through during Mass does not mean you cannot meditate more on it yourself. Take your time in this last week leading up to Easter to really absorb the central themes behind the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary. Meditate on Christ’s Passion and death and thank Him for all he does for us.
I know that many times we walk into the church on Palm Sunday and it hits us that this is that LONG Mass and we develop a bitterness because the Mass might run longer than an hour. Try not to think about how long the Mass is or how it seems to upset your plans for the day. That extra time should be seen as a gift, not a burden. Use that time to focus on all Jesus does for us and what He asks us to live. Jesus sacrificed His life for us so the least we can do is spend a few extra minutes with Him in prayer.
I encourage you to read my postings on the Sorrowful Mysteries throughout this week. Think about the quantity and quality of your prayers when you read the First Sorrowful Mystery — The Agony in the Garden. Pray for all those who suffer, especially those who suffer because they strayed from God’s path, when meditating on Jesus’ Scourging in the Second Sorrowful Mystery. Ask yourself how much respect you give to Jesus and His Church in the Third Sorrowful Mystery — The Crowning of Thorns. Look around at the crosses other bare and see if you can help them any way you can when you think of Jesus taking up His cross in the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery. And finally, follow Jesus’ example in His crucifixion and ask God for the strength to do His Will no matter where that takes you.
Make the most of Holy Week. Do not treat it like every other week of the year but really make an effort to turn it into a time of more intense prayer and meditation. God Bless!
Related articles
- Palm Sunday (johnmsfs.wordpress.com)
- Reflections for Palm Sunday Worship (trinitytuscaloosa.wordpress.com)
- Resources for Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Good Friday & Easter Sunday (godspace.wordpress.com)
- Palm Sunday Prayer (godspace.wordpress.com)
