SELECTED REFLECTIONS FOR THE WEEK
PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
1st Reading: (Isaiah 50:4-7)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 22:8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24 (R. 2a)
2nd Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel Acclamation: Philippians 2:8b-9
Gospel Reading: Luke 22:14-23:56
Inspired By Love
The motivating secret behind Jesus' ministry is unravelled in Jhn 3¹⁶ - LOVE
All that Jesus did - motivated by Love
All that Jesus went through - motivated by Love
All that Jesus suffered - motivated by Love
All that Jesus endured - motivated by Love
...to the point of beholding the cruel death that awaited him yet continued - motivated by Love!
No wonder the Bible says; if you have all the gifts but lack Love, you really don't have anything.
The last and precious thing anyone can give is life...for a righteous man, one may dare to die. But Jesus, it was in our worst state of sin - when we were "worthless", that God gave his all to save us.
This life of freedom we have today, there's nothing we did to earn it and there's nothing we'll ever do to merit it...all we need to do is reach out and take it.
Thank you Lord for our salvation 🙏
EGHE OKONOFUA
We have come to the climax of our Lenten season.
We are about to read about Jesus passion and death again tomorrow.
We have gone through this many times during the Stations of the Cross.
But one word stares at me "Again"!.
The word "Again" speaks of something that has occurred in the past. It is not new.
And the application of the word "again" from my own limited observation gives us two reactions or results:
1. Experience
2. Numbness, in the sense of overfamiliarity.
Almost everyone struggles with both.
Depending on our disposition and preparedness towards the Lenten season, we either acquire a new experience of God or become numb such that it becomes a routine for us.
I invite us to consider the gospel today. How do you feel, did it touch you like that first time you read it and shed tears, or you just read another story again familiarly.
This is an opportunity to assess your spiritual life.
If you no longer feel anything about what a human being suffered, mocked, spat upon, whipped, scorched, nailed and left to drain out; then you need to seriously take some time out praying fervently for spiritual restoration.
Our humanity is tied to emotions. And when that is lost, you're a living dead and in a dangerous zone to be in especially when it comes to our faith.
If you're in this spot just like Judas was, all is not lost.
Like Peter, you need to cry out for help. It is time to ask for God to renew your strength, go on a private retreat, not give up.
And may the Lord our strength make haste to help us.
Amen
From the gospel reading jesus presence brought two enemies together and they became friends, Jesus presence made barrabas to be free that's mercy he never deserves, the thief stole paradise at the eleventh hour what he never envisaged,likewise us be humble in all your dealings , learn to forgive and ask for mercy just like Peter he cried , he thought he could do it on his own, finally he realised life to be a follower of Christ ain't easy, it takes more prayer , humility and constant charitable works, Judas would have been a better saint if only he asked for mercy cos he regretted, no matter what our past has been we can become anew.
Christ knows what we are going through most times we are like barrabas with guilt , barrabas didn't pray all what was on his mind is today would be my last, but Christ gave him another chance for redemption, like wise U who have heard about the gospel don't give up on that challenge keep praying for mercy even when U give up He is still with U, if He can free barrabas that didn't pray he can do more for U as well.
Joseph one of the Pharisees didn't follow their odd ways, he believed in Christ ,we also as a Christian we should learn to stand out anywhere we found ourselves to be, if U can't beat them pls don't join evil cos U want to belong or have a name , stand for the truth any where. Anywhere Christ is there is always love and freedom, in His presence anointing breaks yoke , make things happen just like herod and Pilate became friends. Christ didn't take equality with God despite He is God that's humility, if we can read our bible each day especially the new testament for us to be a true Christian and follower of Christ, the bible and other good spiritual books are our guide . Happy palm Sunday and Holy Week.
Humility, Service, and Sacrifice
The readings for Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, provide a powerful reflection on the themes of humility, service, and sacrifice. Let's break down each reading and explore the central message that connects them.
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
In this passage, the prophet Isaiah describes the suffering servant who endures humiliation and pain for the sake of others. Despite facing shame and rejection, the servant remains steadfast in his commitment to God, trusting in His help and vindication. This reading sets the tone for the Passion narrative, highlighting the importance of perseverance and trust in the face of adversity.
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Saint Paul's letter to the Philippians emphasizes the humility and selflessness of Christ, who, despite being in the form of God, emptied himself and took on the form of a servant. Through his obedience unto death, Christ was exalted by God, and his name is above every name. This reading underscores the significance of humility and service in the Christian life, as exemplified by Christ's willingness to sacrifice himself for humanity.
Gospel: Luke 22:14-23:56
The Passion narrative according to Luke presents a detailed account of Jesus' journey to the cross, highlighting his compassion, forgiveness, and commitment to his mission. From the Last Supper to the crucifixion, Jesus demonstrates his humility and service, washing the feet of his disciples and praying for his enemies. This reading emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and trust in God's plan, even in the face of suffering and death.
Central Message
The central message that connects these three readings is the importance of humility, service, and sacrifice in the Christian life. Through the examples of the suffering servant in Isaiah, Christ's humility in Philippians, and Jesus' Passion in Luke, we are reminded that true greatness comes not from power or status but from serving others and trusting in God's plan.
Questions and Answers
1. What is the significance of the suffering servant in Isaiah 50:4-7?
The suffering servant in Isaiah represents the importance of perseverance and trust in God, even in the face of adversity and humiliation.
2. How does Christ's humility in Philippians 2:6-11 relate to our lives?
Christ's humility and selflessness serve as a model for Christian living, emphasizing the importance of serving others and trusting in God's plan.
3. What can we learn from Jesus' Passion in Luke 22:14-23:56?
Jesus' Passion teaches us the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and trust in God's plan, even in the face of suffering and death.
4. How can we apply the themes of humility, service, and sacrifice in our daily lives?
We can apply these themes by serving others, volunteering, and trusting in God's plan, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties.
5. What is the significance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in the Christian faith?
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus represent the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, demonstrating God's love for humanity and offering us salvation and eternal life.
Conclusion
The readings for Palm Sunday invite us to reflect on the importance of humility, service, and sacrifice in the Christian life. As we journey through Holy Week, may we be inspired by the examples of the suffering servant, Christ's humility, and Jesus' Passion, and may we strive to live out these themes in our daily lives. Amen
My reflection!!!
From the responsorial Psalm. Which says "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" Sometimes as human and in our daily struggles we also face such situations where the going stops and it looks like God has forsaken us and we begin to doubt our hope and trust in God. The second reading gives us hope again that Christ humbled himself even to death on the cross which automatically shows/ tells us that as Christ aspirants, we must stay humble and obedient to the will of God because he has already planned for each and everyone of us on the cross because from Cross comes salvation (No Cross, No Crown) and because of this, we should always be aware that God has and can never forsake or forget His creature(s).
