Palm Sunday 2013

This Sunday we read Luke’s account of Jesus’ Passion and we may find ourselves asking, “Where do I stand?” Yes it is the long Gospel but try not to miss the journey that this offers us. Spend time with this gospel during Holy Week.

Simon of Cyrene is an interesting character (Luke 23:26-32) as he is someone who, through no fault of his own, is suddenly caught up in the immense suffering of politics and power. Cyrene is modern day Libya so perhaps Simon had made the pilgrimage from there to Jerusalem for the festival. He may have thought a parade was in progress and then the closer he came to the commotion realised what was happening. He is suddenly ‘seized’ by the soldiers, the cross is thrust upon him and he is forced to walk the path with Jesus. Simon did not choose this path and he has to find God in a suffering he did not expect. Simon is representative of all those caught up in wars and unexpected disasters, those left destitute, those who are bereaved.
Simon’s view then changes as he is not fully participative in Christ’s suffering, he shares in it to a point and then becomes a bystander. In that sense he is representative of people who share in someone’s suffering for a moment, are touched by it and then move on. Perhaps they are powerless to do anything or maybe they simply change the channel on their TV. We know how the story ends, but for now we stay with the brokenness.

Palm Sunday ~ April 1st 2012

This is the last instalment of Something Different for Lent. We hope this DIY retreat has helped you to find some space during your day for yourself and perhaps it has helped you to pray & reflect. Today, Palm Sunday, we wave and bless Palm Branches. They are a symbol of rejoicing and welcoming. In Pre-Christian times, Palms were a symbol of triumph. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem this Palm Sunday reminds us of the humility of Jesus’ earthly life, from beginning to end.

Suggestions for the week
Sacred Space:
You may have created a sacred space in your home for prayer during this Lenten retreat. Consider that space now:
• Can you continue to use it as part of daily prayer, especially during Holy Week but also after Easter?
• Has it changed over the course of this Lenten journey?
• Is there a symbol, a reflection, a word/phrase that has stood out for you over the past 6 weeks? What is it? Why is it significant for you?
• Perhaps you can place a palm branch in that space to symbolise the beginning of our journey into Holy Week.
Breathing Exercises: Focus on your breathing for a few minutes. Take three deep slow breaths, then focus on your normal breathing. Do this for as long as you can. This is the breath of life. Thank God for this gift. Repeat the following:
“Be. Be Still. Be still and know.
Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Gospel Reflection: Mark 14:1 – 15:7
This Sunday’s Gospel is often known as ‘the long Gospel’. Don’t let that put you off otherwise you miss the journey that this week offers you. Try to read the Gospel, or part of it, this week.
• We hold up our palms singing “Hosanna, Hosanna” as we prepare to follow Jesus into Holy Week. How can this be a personal ‘moment of opportunity’ for us too?
• What does it actually mean to be a follower of Jesus? What does this challenge us to do?

Holy Week:
Monday ~ Reflect on the story of the Passion (Mark 14:1-15:7). There are so many characters in this story: disciples, friends, and betrayers. We can recognise bits of ourselves in each of them. Place yourself in the story. Be honest with yourself and think about what you would have done as one of Jesus’ followers.
Tuesday ~ Wear or carry a small cross in your pocket today as a reminder of God’s great love for you.

Wednesday ~ Make a small sacrifice for someone today.

Holy Thursday ~ What did you hope to achieve and experience this Lenten season? What steps can you take today to bring yourself closer to that goal? Tonight is the start of the Triduum (the period of three days that recalls Jesus’ death & resurrection). Mass of our Lord’s Supper takes places @ 7pm followed by adoration until 10pm for those who wish to stay.

Good Friday ~ When you make the sign of the cross today, remember it is a special sign of the victory of Christ’s love for you. The Passion of our Lord @ 3pm. Stations of the cross in the Phoenix Park @ 12noon, starts at Wellington monument.

Holy Saturday ~ Tonight, light a candle as a symbol of Christ’s light in your life. If possible light this candle during your prayer time in the Easter season. The Easter Vigil, the biggest celebration of the Church’s year, takes places @ 7pm.

Easter Sunday ~ New life! Is there a change you want to make in your life? Write a brief note to yourself as a reminder of this day of transformation. And, enjoy the chocolate!!

Thought for the week:
“On the Sunday before the feast known now as Palm Sunday, the Roman Governor, Pilate, rode into Jerusalem seated on his magnificent horse, along with a large garrison of cavalry and foot soldiers. People would have come out to witness the pageantry of it: thousands of soldiers with weapons, the beating of drums… On Palm Sunday, Jesus also entered Jerusalem, from the other side of the city, seated on a donkey. This was not a coincidence; this procession was planned in advance and carefully thought out. The reign of Jesus was to be a reign of peace that would banish chariots…Jesus intended his procession – which today would be called a ‘counter-demonstration’ – to contrast the two reigns, the Reign of God and the reign of Caesar, two very different visions of life on earth. ” Peter McVerry, SJ