April 5, 2020 - Palm Sunday

"But you, O Lord, be not far from me;

O may help, hasten to aid me." Psalm 22:20

Reflection

by Sister Dorothy Jean Beyer, OSB

With the celebration of Palm (Passion) Sunday, we are entering the week called “holy.” Today we read the Passion of Jesus; yet because of the coronavirus, we are not gathering in church as we have done in past years during this holiest time of the Church’s Year. How do we celebrate Palm Sunday liturgically in our homes in this unusual time in the history of our world?

First of all, many churches will be live streaming the Triduum and Easter Sunday services for their parishioners. We hope you can participate in this way.

Here is a suggestion from the Benedictine world: Lectio Divina, sacred reading of the Scriptures. This practice can be done individually or in a small group (with proper social distancing.)

The steps are simple:

Read the text slowly and savor it. Listen for the quiet voice of God inviting you to be in His presence.

Ponder (or meditate on) a word or phrase of Scripture. Let the words invite you to talk to God and to listen to God.

Pray to God and let Him know what is in your heart.

Contemplate in awe and wonder. Be still and know that I am God.

Act. Ask the question: What is God asking me to do, or change in my life? What part of my life needs resurrection?

Let us walk with the suffering Jesus in a more committed, deeper way, so that we will rise to new life with Him on Easter Sunday.

“…we shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ that we may deserve also to share in his kingdom. Amen.” Rule of Benedict Prologue 50

Gospel Acclamation

“Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him

and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.”

Philippians 2:8-9