Special Notice: 9:30 Sunday Morning, our usual time for gathering together, we hope to present an on-line reflective Sunday Mass. More info to come. Prepare thyself, no laughter, please!
Saturday-Sunday, April 4-5, 2002, Palm Sunday
: 
Reading 1
The Lord be with you.
A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
When they neared Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples with these instructions: “Go over to the village across from you. You’ll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you’re doing, say, ‘The Master needs them!’ He will send them with you.”
This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet Zechariah:
“Shout and cheer, Daughter Zion! Raise the roof, Daughter Jerusalem!
Your king is coming! A good king who makes all things right,
A humble king riding a donkey, a mere colt of a donkey.”
The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do. They led the donkey and colt out, laid some of their clothes on them, and Jesus mounted. Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat. Crowds went ahead and crowds followed, all of them calling out, “Hosanna to David’s son!” “Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!” “Hosanna in highest heaven!”
As he made his entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. Unnerved, people were asking, “What’s going on here? Who is this?”
The parade crowd answered, “This is the prophet Jesus, the one from Nazareth in Galilee.”
[Procession to the Table for Mass]
Reading 2
A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 50
GOD has given me a well-taught tongue, so I know how to encourage tired people.
He wakes me up in the morning, he opens my ears to listen, as one ready to take orders.
GOD opened my ears, and I didn’t go back to sleep, didn’t pull the covers back over my head.
I followed orders, stood there and took it while they beat me, held steady while they pulled out my beard.
I didn’t dodge their insults, and faced them as they spit in my face.
And GOD stays right there and helps me, so I’m not disgraced.
Therefore I set my face like flint, confident that I’ll never regret this.
Our word for today.
A Reading from the Letter to the Philippians
Sisters and brothers: Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all.
When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity, and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then a selfless and obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
Our word for today.
The Matthew Passion:
Download PALM Sunday – Passion of Jesus – Matthew
Life, A Circle?
Today, Wednesday, April 1, Rosemary & I signed away our home on Tulip Lane, looking to downsize. It surprised me that the signing was to take place on Rosedale Avenue & Snider Plaza, in University Park. I was born one street north, on Milton, & one of my best childhood buddies, Pete Wacks, lived one block west on Rosedale. It was surprisingly moving to sign away our house in the place where it all began in 1940. A Circle?
Rosemary's Blessing:
Covid-19: A Prayer of Solidarity
For all who have contracted Corona-Virus,
We pray for care and healing.
For those who are particularly vulnerable,
We pray for safety and protection.
For all who experience fear or anxiety,
We pray for peace of mind and spirit.
For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety,
We pray for policies that recognize their plight.
For those who do not have adequate health insurance,
We pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.
For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status,
We pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.
For our brothers and sisters around the world,
We pray for shared solidarity.
For public officials and decision-makers,
We pray for wisdom and guidance.
Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all.
Grant peace.
Grant comfort.
Grant healing.
Be with us, Lord.
Amen
Sent to me by Alison who received it from a friend