Today we begin Holy Week with Palm/Passion Sunday. The readings lead us through the celebration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, through the events of Holy Week, and finally to the crucifixion. The readings prepare us as we continue to gather throughout this week.

The Processional Gospel is recorded in John 12:12-19. On this Sunday the crowds hailed Jesus as the Messiah, as the One Who came to be King of Israel. They were expecting a political and military king, but Jesus came to be the King and Lord of life. Have you ever wondered how many hailed Him as the King of Israel on Sunday, but who were in the crowd on Friday calling out for His crucifixion?

Lord Jesus, let our voices and our lives proclaim that You are the King of life. Enable us to be always faithful to You, lifting You up as Lord and Savior so that others can see You and be drawn to You, trusting in You into eternal life. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

The First Reading is recorded in Deuteronomy 32:36-39. This is a warning from the Lord to those who turn to false gods to save them, the Lord proclaims that these false gods cannot save. The Lord tells those who have turned away from Him to call out to the false gods and see if they really can save, and then the Lord ends with a strong reminder that He alone has the power over life and death.

Lord God, keep us always looking to You. There are so many temptations and false gods around us, all promising to give us life, but they cannot. Keep us firm in You, knowing and trusting that You alone have the power of life and death, and that Your will is to give life. We thank You for the life we have in Jesus. In His Name we pray. Amen.

The Second Reading, Philippians 2:5-11, includes an ancient hymn of the Church. Read through the passage slowly, meditating on all that it tells us about Jesus. And, once you have read through it, give glory to God! Notice how much Jesus loves us, and what He will do to redeem us. Jesus Christ is Lord! All glory be to God!

Lord Jesus, to You we bow, and we confess You as our Lord and Savior. All glory be to God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the life we have in You! Amen.

The Gospel for today is Luke 22:1-23:56, the Passion narrative in Luke. Give yourself time to read through it, meditating and contemplating Jesus and what He will do to redeem us. Let this message sink deeply into you and let the Holy Spirit lead you closer to Jesus.

Most Holy Lord Jesus, we are humbled by Your willingness to endure suffering and death on the cross to redeem us. We give You thanks and praise. By Your agony, death, and resurrection make us new every day, giving You thanks and praise. In Your Name we pray. Amen.