When the hour came, he took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it [again] until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” (Gospel for April 10, Lk 22:14-16)
Every Palm Sunday, we hear the account of Christ’s Passion. The story is quite familiar to us by now. Has it lost any of its impact for us from repetition? The Passion of Christ is not just a rote story we recall once a year, but a reality that lies at the heart of our Catholic faith. My brothers, may we never let the recollection of the Passion of Christ fail to move our hearts to greater love for him.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to participate in the Stations of the Cross — alone or with your parish — to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s suffering and death. Second, I challenge you to carry out the Faith in Action Good Friday Family Promotion program.
Questions for Reflection:
Do you sometimes “glaze over” or lose focus when listening to the readings at Mass? What can you do to better prepare for Mass so that you reap more fully the spiritual benefits of hearing the word of God? What devotions — such as the Stations of the Cross or the rosary — can you take up to engage more deeply with the stories and events of our faith?