Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Here are the readings for Palm/Passion Sunday , March 24, 2013:

Processional Gospel: Luke 19: 28-40

Isaiah 50: 4-7
Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Philippians 2: 6-11
Luke 22: 14- 23: 56

Soap operas have nothing on our Story this week.

Even within this one Sunday liturgy -one that begins with an extra Gospel- we move abruptly from Jesus' jubilant ride into Jerusalem, being hailed by the crowds as their king and leader ... to the long, solemn recollection of his suffering and sacrificial death, declared "king" only in mockery. (The "INRI" at the top of a crucifix stands for "Jesus (they didn't have "J"s) of Nazareth, King (Rex) of the Jews" (again, no J's))

As you enter into the holiest week of the year, I invite you to LIVE this week-- decide how to set it apart from any other time (limited internet or TV time? adding prayer time? driving without the radio?, take Friday off work if you can) and enter fully into the services of the Triduum, reflecting on the images and actions and prayers that teach us more about who God is for us in Jesus Christ... and how we are called to live as the Body of Christ.

At St. Andrew's, the main services of the Sacred Triduum are:

• Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7:30pm
• Good Friday Commemoration of the Lord's Passion, 3:00pm
• Easter Vigil- the premier liturgy of the church year, 8:30pm Saturday

Leave your watch at home--  time really is irrelevant -- in the Year of Faith, let yourself relish the truth of the Good News of God's tender mercy, deep compassion, and limitless power to overcome all that keeps us bound and lifeless!

Please pray for Richard, Emily, Lori, Natalie, Emily and Alaina, our Elect who are preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation. And pray as well for Lisa and Kevin, already one with us in Christian baptism, who will be united fully with us through a Profession of Faith, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.  We praise God for this new life in our Church!