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
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