On this Holy Thursday we hear of Jesus loving his disciples to teh end, and washing their feet. We also are invited to love "to the end", washing the feet of others.
God gave the prophet Isaiah "a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them." We need more of this gift today.
The prophet Isaiah tried and thought he failed, but then was promised that by God's hand he would become a light to the nations. God can use each of us in this task, not because of our greatness, but because of God's.
With love, Mary poured perfumed oil on Jesus' hair, while Judas complained that the money could have been used to help the poor. But Judas was not sincere, caring more about the money than the poor. Let us walk with Jesus in sincerity this Holy Week.
On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus' joyful entry into Jerusalem and his death there. These are not contradictory, as Jesus joyfully gave himself for our salvation. May we understand that mystery more deeply this Holy Week,
Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP breaks open the readings for this Palm Sunday, noticing how embodied all of the readings are. Jesus gave his body for our salvation. Can we give our bodies, just as they are, for the salvation and faith of others?
In today's Gospel we get a hint that Caiaphas wants to kill Jesus in order to maintain his political power. Today our politicians sometimes try to protect their vested interest rather than working for the common good.
Jesus' enemies want to stone him because he is preaching a vision of Judaism that is different than their own. Can we look upon what is new with eyes of love that try to understand rather than with condemnation?
Jesus argues with the Jewish authorities that Abraham is still alive in God and looking upon this moment, and that he is one with God. This is the Communion of Saints, made possible by Jesus, and today is a day to feel our connection to those who have died but are alive in heaven.
Hanaiah, Azariah, and Mishael chose to be cast into the fire rather than worship a Babylonian god. People will expect us to do all sorts of things, be all sorts of people. Do we know ourselves and have the integrity to act with integrity?
On this Feast of St. Joseph, we remember him as the patron saint of happy deaths, since he died presumably with Mary and Jesus at his side. Some planning ahead and conversing with loved ones can make your dying moments more likely to go better.