April 9 - Passion Sunday : Marching with Jesus

 

Gospel at the Procession with Palms  Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus enters Jerusalem as the crowd waves palm branches and shouts, "Hosanna!"

First Reading  Isaiah 50:4-7
The Lord's Servant will stand firm, even when persecuted.

Responsorial Psalm  Psalm 22:8-9,17-20,23-24
A cry for help to the Lord in the face of evildoers

Second Reading  Philippians 2:6-11
Christ was obedient even to death, and God has exalted him.

Gospel Reading
Matthew 26:14—27:66

                        

Indeed, we have reached the climax of the liturgical year, the highest peak of salvation history, when all that has been anticipated and promised is to be fulfilled. By the close of today’s long Gospel, the work of our redemption will have been accomplished, the new covenant will be written in the blood of His broken body hanging on the cross at the place called the Skull. The palms that we use today should be sings that we are willing to follow and march with Jesus not only in moments of glory but also in times of fall and agony.