Written on: March 24, 2021
Procession with Palm- Mark 11:1-10
First Reading- Isaiah 50:4-7
Responsorial Psalm- 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
Second Reading- Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel- Mark 14:1—15:47
When I begin to reflect on the events of Holy Week, I am overwhelmed. So much is happening, so many scenes, so much emotion. I am drawn most strongly, yet am resistant to, Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus, You are troubled, distressed, fearful of what is about to happen.
You kneel to the ground and pray,
You struggle with fear.
You resist what is to come.
Yet even at your most vulnerable You can say,
Your life is mission-driven as You long to bring about the Kingdom, the Reign of God your Father. You pray, teach, heal, form community with your disciples, share food and community with the poor, the outsiders, the sinners. Living this mission has aroused the attention and jealousy of the religious leaders, scribes and Pharisees and the High Priest; it has led You to this moment of approaching suffering and death.
Jesus, you turn to Your Father, and You seek support of and comfort from Your disciples and in both instances You feel deserted and abandoned.
And on the cross,
In our own times of darkness, suffering and vulnerability, may we “put on the mind and heart of Christ” ask for relief, strength, courage, acceptance of God’s will. Accompanied by Jesus, may we say and mean “into Your hands I commit my spirit.”
Let us stay awake and keep watch with Jesus during the events of this Holy Week.
Submitted by: Sr. Sheila Stone, GNSH
Featured photo courtesy of Veeterzy/Unsplash
Thank you, Sheila. You obviously do put on the mind and heart of Jesus — and help the rest of us to “keep watch”. Thank you for helping us to be there with Jesus and all those whose lives mirror the paschal mystery.
Thank you Sheila a wonderful reflection
Thank you so much for the beautiful and inspiring reflection which is much needed at this time.
What an awesome reflection, Sr. Sheila. Thanks for helping all of us to stay focused, my friend, and keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Thank you, Sheila…
Pope Francis reminds us, too, that Covid 19 ‘exposes our vulnerability.’ Holy Week cautions us to ‘stay awake’ and keep watch’ because hope is at hand.
Another timely reflection. Thanks, Sheila.
Thank you Sheila! Beautiful reflection.