In five days the cheers turn to jeers. Luke’s Gospel follows through on the “Suffering Servant” portrayed in Isaiah and that “Jesus Christ is Lord” for everyone in St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. All the events presented lead to Jesus’ death on the cross and burial.
This Gospel is called the “Passion,” from the Latin word “passio” which means “suffering.” Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord is the beginning of Holy Week, the most important and holiest week of the year, recalling Jesus’ love for us and all that he encountered on his final journey to Jerusalem – praise and celebration, treachery, betrayal, condemnation, brutal suffering, death on the cross and burial.
Spend Holy Week preparing for the glorious feast of Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter by:
- Reading the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ Passion (Lk: 22 and 23; Mk: 14 and 15; Mt: 26 and 27; Jn: 18 and 19).
- Having more quiet time – turn off the TV, computer and all other high-tech gadgets.
- Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary and the Stations of the Cross to remember Jesus’ sufferings for love of us.
- Attending church on the special days of Holy Week – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
- Holy Week tells us the world’s greatest love story!