Lenten Reflection-Palm Sunday 2020
Written on: April 1, 2020
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion April 5, 2020
Procession: Matthew 21:1-11
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-1
Gospel: Matthew 26:14—27:66
In Living Lent with Laughter and Love, Fr. Thomas Connery writes: Little Sammy was ill on Palm Sunday, and stayed home from Church. When his family returned with palm fronds, he asked what they were. His father said that “people would wave them as Jesus walked by.” Sammy complained, “Wouldn’t you know it, the one Sunday I don’t go, HE shows up!”
Well, in these days of isolation and social distancing, will ANYBODY show up? To say that this Lenten season, is unique, is a gross understatement. A friend of mine, who enjoys periodic hibernation, feels that this is an opportunity for sacred time. Attitude is everything, the difference between Sabbath and Stress.
Palm Sunday opens the holiest week in the liturgical calendar, revealing the paschal mystery of life, suffering, death and New life. As we journey with Matthew through today’s reading, we revisit some familiar places: Jerusalem, with the joyous crowd shouting, Hosanna, save us. We remember Gethsemane, and the traitor’s kiss, the Praetorium mockery, and the uphill walk to Golgotha, along with the players who star in the unfolding drama.
We sense the desperate despair of Judas and the tearful repentance of Peter, and the religious and political officials, Caiaphas and Pilate who avoid the consequences of decisive leadership and action. The Roman Centurion, the only one who really “gets it” proclaiming: “Truly, this is the Son of God.” Finally, Joseph of Arimathea, the fearless, and compassionate, man who offers Jesus a final resting place.
Like Isaiah, let me open my ears that I may hear the good news, and not turn back because the Lord, God emptied himself of life for me. Would that I may empty myself of the superfluous and superficial aspects of my life for him.
Because my spirit is willing and I am weak, I want to move forward this week knowing that the hour is at hand to make the most of every day and event of this sacred Sabbath time!
A story of HOPE from the porch of #616 at Lafayette: Mary Karen faithfully waters the “sticks of the plants” all winter and this week we are blessed with two, soon to be five, beautiful white orchids! So keep positive, optimistic, and keep watering those sticks!
Many thanks to Sr. Dolores Beatty for reminding us in this time of great suffering across the globe, that our isolation is temporary; that we are all still on the journey with Jesus. Let us walk this road with hope in our hearts.
17 thoughts on “Lenten Reflection-Palm Sunday 2020”
Leave a Reply
-
Ascension of Jesus- 2023
May 16, 2023First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 Submitted by Sr. Eleanor Martinez,…
Read More
-
Sixth Sunday of Easter- 2023
May 9, 2023May 14, 2023 First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 Gospel:…
Read More
-
Sister Patricia Connolly- 60th Jubilee
May 9, 2023Sister Patricia Connolly was born and raised in Corona, New York. She met the Grey Nuns at St. Leo School….
Read More
-
Sister Marita Campbell- 60th Jubilee
May 9, 2023Sister Marita Campbell calls Philadelphia home although she has spent many years in Buffalo, NY. Marita met the Grey Nuns…
Read More
-
Sister Barbara Pollock- 60th Jubilee
May 9, 2023Sister Barbara Pollock, a native of Philadelphia, met the Grey Nuns at Cardinal Dougherty High School. She spent several years…
Read More
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
Instagram
Sister Dolores! U are the reason I became a teacher!!! U taught World History at St Pius in Atlanta in 1971!!! U taught us everything as if u had been there! My good friend and I felt very close to u! I have thought about reaching out to you for years!!! U might remember my sewing for you and the other sisters when u all changed to non- habit attire! You look wonderful and know that u are in my prayers during this difficult time!!! You continue to make a difference in our lives!
Loved reading Janet’s comment! We really had a great time with you at Pi High! I vividly remember you filling four blackboards (printing) with the royal family line of the Hapsburgs in freshman World History!! Maybe why I love the BBC royalty shows on PBS! Hope you are well! Blessings!
Dolores,
Sammy’s tale is great. Not able to go to Liturgy together, we might be like him and miss knowing that Jesus is here all the time. I think, in this different, difficult time, He may be even more available to us because we are, perhaps, more open. Many of us have more time and space, others more obvious and painful need to feel His presence and love.
Thank you for sharing. Ceil
Thank you Dolores. I just read your reflection and the comments — all thoughtful pieces to reflect on today on this Palm Sunday and in the future. Peace and Christ’s blessings to all.
Thanks Delores.
A wonderful reflection with a bit of humor which we can all use
Nice messages tucked in with good humor. Thanks for creating a thoughtful prologue to Holy Week.
Sister Dolores that was a wonderful reflection. Touched my heart and made me think. Thank you and may God bless you and keep you safe.
Thanks, Dolores. You gave us many insights to ponder!
Thank you, Dolores. ‘Tis true…even though our lives are all tangled together not unlike the disciples; yet, our contemporary isolation reminds us of Jesus’ profound experience of facing the cross alone. This Holy Week is indeed a moment of transition for all of us.
Sister Dolores
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and also for the laugh. It’s so you.
We all need to stay in touch with each other and to hold each other in our hearts and prayers. It’s so important to love everyone now when we are all in this together.
Can’t wait to put my arms around you and hug you. Looking forward to that day.
Love you
Thank you, Dolores, for this reflection. Jesus does show up but sometimes I/we miss him as did Sammy. Your words will help me remember and be present.
Beautiful, Sr. Dolores. Thanks for a ray of hope.
Stay safe.
Vickie
Thanks for all of your love and help that will help us to celebrate Lent with our precious Jesus in our homes and hearts
Show up! The difference between Sabbath and stress! Wonderful thoughts to engage any time, but especially this Holy week so immersed in death, dying and amazing acts of self-giving much like the first Holy Week. Thanks Dolores.
Sister Dolores
Thanks you for such a beautiful reflection.
We needed to read such wonderful words, to keep our spirits up and not to give up hope. This too will pass
Stay safe and healthy
Love Sharon xo ❤️⚓️
Your reflection was thoughtful and fitting for this very different Lent. Thank you. The story at the opening was delightful.
Thank you, Dolores.
Thanks Dolores. A wonderful reflection on this time and this Holy Week. Both this time of COVID-19 and the Passion of our Lord, are seared into our minds and hearts for all time.