Jesus has entered Jerusalem. Our forty-day penitential journey nears completion. Lent ends when we begin the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday evening. Ash Wednesday seems like only yesterday. Have we answered the Lord's call to prayer, fasting and almsgiving? It's not too late! Our procrastination keeps good company. The apostles were also often slow to catch on to the Lord's revelations (see Jn 12:16). Don't despair. Cling to the Church's liturgical schedule over the upcoming week — it may turn out to be the best week of our lives.
As we enter Holy Week, be eager to tell others about the amazing liturgies awaiting us. With the Psalmist say, "I will proclaim Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You" (Ps 22:23).
On Holy Thursday, be awed as Jesus ordains His first priests and gifts us His Body and Blood (see Lk 22:17-20). At the celebration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday, reflect on Jesus' sacrifice. "And it was thus that He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" (Phil 2:8) Then rejoice with the Church as many new Catholics enter into full communion with His Body at Holy Saturday's Easter Vigil. Finish with a flourish on Resurrection Sunday, "for it was impossible that death should keep its hold on Him" (Acts 2:24).
Where will you spend your time over the next seven days?
| PRAYER: | Father, may I desire to be with You as much as You desire to be with me. |
| PROMISE: | "Clearly this man was the Son of God!" ––Mk 15:39 |
| PRAISE: | "Blessed is the reign of our father David to come! Hosanna in the highest!" (Mk 11:10) |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College