From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education Theme: Matthew 26:14-27:66
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. On this day we recall Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, where people greeted him in the streets like a hero, shouting and waving palm branches. During the Gospel, we listen to the whole story of Jesus’ last days on earth.
Summary: The plot to kill Jesus now involves not only the Pharisees, some of whom have been opposed to Jesus throughout his ministry, but now includes the chief priests and the elders. The leadership of the Temple wish to eliminate Jesus. They employ one of the twelve disciples, Judas Iscariot in their plot. Jesus, as an observant and
obedient Jew, is celebrating the Passover with his disciples. This meal becomes the backdrop for the coming days of his passion, death, and resurrection. There are a great many events contained within this passage from Matthew, but for our purposes, they focus on the
obedience of Jesus to the Father’s will. The suffering and death of Jesus becomes for us and indeed for all people, the ultimate expression of the Father’s love for humanity. The expiation of the world’s sin comes through the absolute
obedience of Jesus.
Scripture: A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Matthew 21:8
Jesus and his disciples were walking toward Jerusalem and had stopped near a small village called Bethphage. Jesus sent two of his disciples to go on ahead into the village. He told them that when they got there, they would find a donkey and her colt, which they were to bring back to him. Of course, the disciples were a bit concerned because they imagined that these animals might belong to someone who might not appreciate having their animals taken. Jesus simply told them, "Tell them that the Lord needs them and they will let you have them." So the disciples went into town and sure enough, there was a donkey and her colt. They grabbed them and as they were leaving, someone asked why they were taking the animals. They answered, "It is for the Lord." And the people let them take them just as Jesus had said they would. When they arrived back at the camp, the disciples took their cloaks and put them on the donkey to make a nice soft seat for Jesus. Jesus got on the donkey and headed toward Jerusalem.
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, a very large crowd gathered to welcome him. Some of them spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus to ride on, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Why would they do that? They were treating Jesus like a king!
The Bible tells us that the crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
The people greeted Jesus as a King that day. Today, Jesus wants to be your King -- and he will be if you will allow him to come into your heart and rule over your life. Lay down your cloak to greet your King as he comes to you in love.
Jesus, come into our lives and create in us a new heart. May we excitedly welcome you just as those that awaited your arrival in Jerusalem did. Thank you for being here with us. We praise you Lord! Amen.….
www.sermons4kids.com
An important task of a prophet (and also of the Church and all Christians) is to
speak to the weary….to give strength to those who have fallen or who are weak, to offer hope to the hopeless and comfort to the lonely, and to bring consolation to those who mourn.
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
When he was in prison, Saint Paul wrote to the
Philippians, a community of Christians, living in Philippi in Greece. He thanked them for their help and encouraged them to strengthen their faith in Jesus.
Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11
Zion was the name of a hill in Jerusalem where the temple was built, but the city itself was often called Zion.
Daughter of Zion is another way of naming the entire nation, the whole people of God.
Hosanna is a Hebrew word that means “save us.”. When the people in Jerusalem shout it as Jesus approaches, they are saying that they know he is the Messiah who has come to save them.
Son of David (or descendant of King David) is a name people used to describe the Messiah who was to come. It is one of the many names given to Jesus in the Bible
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66
The
Passion of Jesus is the story of the last hours of his earthly life. It begins with the Last Supper and ends when his body is placed in the tomb. When we speak of the “passion” of Jesus, we mean his suffering.
My Promise to Jesus: At home, I will hang blessed palms above my crucifix. Its green branches are full of life! https://us.magnificat.net/my-sunday-gospel-coloring-book-2020.html Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life. What decisions face you now that call for courage? www.smp.org
Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/ Logos and Obedience: Listening to the Father’s Voice Written by Lisa Pelton
ISBN: 13-978-1438951775
Praythat you will seek to follow Jesus’ example and always wish to do the will of God the Father each and every day. Ask the Holy Spirit who dwells within you to remind you to pray daily to be obedient to God’s loving will. Family Discussion: Palm, or Passion, Sunday begins the most sacred week of the Church year—Holy Week. During these days, we prepare ourselves for Easter by prayerful reflection upon the events of Jesus’ Passion and death. You might display a crucifix in a prominent place this week, as reminder of the salvation Christ won for us. The crucifix can also be the focal point for family prayer during Holy Week.
Because of the length and complexity of the Passion narrative, young children have difficulty remaining attentive when it is proclaimed in its entirety. Families can choose to read a portion of this Sunday’s Gospel each day of Holy Week, providing ample opportunity for children to ask questions and respond to the events described there. In this way, the entire week can become a “way of the cross.”
Each day during Holy Week, the family can gather in a prayerful space with a crucifix as the focal point. The Passion as found in Matthew’s Gospel might be read as follows throughout the week:
Sunday:
Matthew 21:1-11 (Gospel at the Procession with Palms)
Monday:
Matthew 26:14-25
Tuesday:
Matthew 26:26-35
Wednesday:
Matthew 26:36-56
Thursday:
Matthew 26:57—27:14
Friday:
Matthew 27:15-54
After reading from the Gospel each night, the family might reflect on the reading together. Conclude your prayer time together by praying the Lord’s Prayer and/or singing an appropriate hymn, such as “Jesus, Jesus,” “Were You There?” or “What Wondrous Love Is This.”........
www.loyolapress.com