image: Church Window Stained Glass - Free photo on Pixabay

 

Palm Sunday (March 29)

 

Reflection:

“…The mystery of God’s purpose was made known to us, the hidden plan so kindly made in Christ from the beginning, to act upon when the times had run their course to the end; that everything should be brought together under Christ as head, everything in the heavens and everything on earth.  And it is in him that we were claimed as God’s own, chosen from the beginning, under the predetermined plan of the one who freely decides all things and guides them, chosen to be, for the greater glory of the divinity, the people who would put their hopes in Christ before he came…”                                                    (Ephesians 1: 3-14)

 

Readings:

Matthew 21:1-11 (Gospel at Procession: The Messiah enter Jerusalem)

Isaiah 50:4-7: (The third Song of the Servant)

Philippians 2:6-11: (Preserve unity in humility)

Matthew 26:14 - 27:66: (The Last Supper, Passion and Death)

 

Reflection Questions:

1. The crowds welcomed, “Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth of Galilee” singing Hosanna to the Son of David… Yet Jesus already knew, as he had told his disciples, that he was entering Jerusalem to fulfill the “mystery of God’s purpose.”  Can we seek God’s grace to open our hearts and minds to accept “the hidden plan so kindly made in Christ from the beginning?  As we pray this week, let’s ponder this?
2. Who are the weary to whom we offer God’s words at this time in our history? Are we open to whatever happens in our future, because we have been “claimed as God’s own”?
3. Can we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, who “emptied himself”? Can we be obedient to God’s plan, the one “who freely decides all things”?  Can we, as one with all believers, “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord?”
4. Imagine the level of trust and the tremendous grace of God who strengthened Jesus through his fears and passion! Can we trust so deeply that God is giving us grace to trust as we become “the people who put their hopes in Christ?”

 

Closing Prayer: Congregational Chapter 2026 Prayer:

Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You.  Amen

Sr. Barbara McMullen