Yesterday, as we celebrated Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, I was moved by memories of previous Holy Weeks—the snapshot moments and the spiritual comfort that accompany them.
Each of us has memories from previous Holy Weeks, spiritual highlights that we can draw upon to enter more deeply into this Holy Week. But if for some reason, this Lent hasn’t gone as you would like, I’d suggest taking this week one day at a time. Focusing on a morning offering, making time to celebrate the daily Mass, finding a way to go to Confession, and definitely spending time in prayer, hopefully with family. Yesterday at Mass I preached about how this week can be a time of re-centering our lives upon Jesus.
In today’s gospel there is a great contrast between Judas and Mary of Bethany, Lazarus’s sister. Judas is all about Judas, he doesn’t care about Jesus or the poor. He only wants there to be more money in bag for the poor because he plans to steal it. On the other hand, Mary’s, is care and attention is where we want ours to be. She generously and courageously gives to Jesus her most valuable possession. Like Mary, if we give Jesus our care and attention, then Jesus will attend to us like Mary. Did you notice how Jesus respond to the criticism of Judas? He rebukes him and defends Mary’s extravagant gift to Jesus.
This Holy Week can be one that creates a family unity with Jesus—one that builds upon the ones that give us spiritual strength. Follow Jesus from the moment of changing the bread and wine at the Last Supper, to the Agony in the Garden, to the Crucifixion, and then great Celebration of His Resurrection.
One question you can reflect and discuss and pray about with your family is how can we be more like Mary in how we spend this week? What are we willing to give to Jesus—beginning with our time and love.
May God bless you and your family this holy week!
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EST, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
