Palm Sunday
As we enter Holy Week, our hearts are being prepared to delve into the period of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem as people lined the streets, welcoming him with palm branches and words of praise. Knowing he would soon carry his cross to Calvary, he readied his heart for the trials ahead.
In each of the four Gospels, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is depicted before his betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion. They all mention him arriving in the city on a donkey, echoing the prophetic words of Zechariah in the Old Testament. This passage foretells a humble and victorious king, symbolizing the Messiah who would bring peace to Israel. The donkey embodies humility, akin to Christ's patient endurance of burdens.
Conversely, the palm branch symbolized triumph long before Christ's time. Athletes, generals, and kings were greeted with waving palm branches as a symbol of victory.
Palm Sunday presents us with two contrasting images: the triumphant procession with palm branches and the humble donkey, symbolizing victory and humility, respectively. Amidst the emotions of joy and sorrow, this day calls us to release our fears, sorrows, and burdens to Christ as he nears Calvary.
During this weekend, the liturgical color is red. Consider wearing red or adding red accents to your home or crucifix, symbolizing the blood shed by Christ.
As a Church of the Home, spend time together to celebrate Palm Sunday and the first part of Holy Week.
Decorate your front door with leaves & branches. We may not be able to process with palms this year, but we can decorate our doors as a sign of welcome, reminding us of the crowds welcoming Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, & as a sign that we welcome Jesus into our lives today.
Put a small statue of Jesus in the center of your dinner table. Then use palm branches from church and have your own triumphal procession to the dinner table.
Talk about it: Over dinner, talk about how Jesus is the center of our lives and our faith. How do we feel when we make Jesus the center of our lives?
Clean the house: Think of spring housekeeping as a prayerful preparation for Easter in the same way that Jewish families clean in preparation for Passover.
Buy a lily: The white flower heralds the resurrection of Jesus. Let your children pick out one for your family and one for someone who needs to hear “good news.”
Color eggs: Decorated eggs are a symbol of new life that comes with the Resurrection. Make it more meaningful by helping your children write “Christ is Risen,” “Alleluia” or “Jesus loves us” on the eggs in crayon before coloring them.
Why do Catholics wave palms on Palm Sunday, wash each other’s feet on Holy Thursday, or kiss the cross on Good Friday? Busted Halo explains the significance of the final week we spend preparing for Easter.
Learn how to make a palm cross for Palm Sunday
Resurrection Steps of our Lenten Journey
Daily reflections by Roger Vanden Busch on the Scripture readings for Lent
We begin our daily Lenten journey with Jesus. Along the way, we go to an “out of the way” place to encounter His presence in Readings, Reality, and Prayer.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:oo on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
As Holy Week begins, we are urged to be honest and acknowledge the disparity between our beliefs and actions. Jesus calls us to confront our own hypocrisy and heal the conflicts within ourselves. May Christ's love bring wholeness and peace to us all. Join Steve as he reflects on Palm Sunday.
Auditio Divina
Drawing upon the steps of Lectio Divina, Auditio Divina brings this ancient prayer practice into today’s world. It breaks open the lyrics of modern songs to help individuals listen with heart.
Katie and Tony break open the song "Bubbles Up" by Jimmy Buffet
for Palm Sunday of Lent.
Lyrics:
Bubbles up
They will point you towards home
No matter how deep or how far you roam
They will show you the surface, the plot and the purpose
So, when the journey gets long
Just know that you are loved
There is light up above
And the joy is always enough
Bubbles up
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Announcements
Ruby and Res
Peek A Boo from Ruby Doo!
Ruby checks out the palms decorating the church.
