His Hour
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (A)
Today there are two Gospel readings at the Mass. The first is from the Procession of Palms, and is from Matthew 21:1-11. The next is a reading of the Lord’s Passion, and is from Matthew 26:14-27:66.
For today’s Gospel readings, please visit: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
SEE ABOVE
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
This is Palm Sunday, and it marks the beginning of a particularly important time. There are two Gospel readings on this day: one is about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the other is about Jesus’ Last Supper, Agony in the Garden, Passion, and Death. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Jesus’ last week before His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Jesus’ hour is at hand. The Gospel begins here. Notice what the Gospel says Jesus does when His Hour comes—He gathers with the apostles. “When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles.” This is key for us.
As Catholics we talk about Liturgy. The word “liturgy” comes from the idea of a “public work”—not so much meaning an activity that many people are involved in, but instead a work that is done on behalf of many people, to benefit them. Jesus’ Passion and Death are works done on behalf of us, the public, that give us infinite benefit. So in the liturgy we aren’t simply remembering these events from the life of Jesus, we are actually participating in them! Through the liturgy we take part in His life, suffering, Death, and His Resurrection. When His Hour comes, Jesus joins with the apostles. As Jesus’ modern day followers, we also must be with Him. How else can we experience His Cross, Death, and Resurrection, and all their benefits? This week should look very, very, very different than any other week of the year. What are we doing this week to join with Jesus in His Hour?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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