DAILY- HOMILY

April 9, 2017 - PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION Blessing of Palms 

Red

Blessing and Procession of Palms: Mk 21: 1 – 11

Mass: Is 50: 4- 7 / Phil 2: 6- 11 / Mt 26: 14 -- 27: 66

Day of Valor

BLESSING OF PALMS:         Mt 21: 1 - 11

     When they drew near Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage on the mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying, "Go to the village in front of you, and there you will find a donkey tied up with its colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says something to you, say, 'The Lord needs them but he will send them back immediately."' This happened in fulfillment of what the prophet said: Say to the daughters of Zion: See, your king comes to you in all simplicity, riding on a donkey, a beast of burden, with its colt.

     The disciples went as Jesus had instructed them, and they brought the donkey with its colt. Then they threw their cloaks on its back, and Jesus sat on them.

     Many people also spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The people who walked ahead of Jesus and those who followed him began to shout: "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna, glory in the highest!"

     When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was disturbed. The people asked: "Who is this man?" And the crowd answered, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee."

FROM THE 1ST READING:     Is 50: 5- 7

     The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear. I have not rebelled, nor have I withdrawn. I offered my back to those who strike me, my cheeks to those who pulled my beard; neither did I shield my face from blows, spittle and disgrace. I have not despaired, for the Lord Yahweh comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face, knowing that I will not be disgraced.

2ND READING:     Phil 2: 6- 11

     Though being divine in nature, he did not claim in fact equality with God, but emptied himself, taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness, and in his appearance found as a man. He humbled himself by being obedient to death, death on the cross.

     That is why God exalted him and gave him the Name which outshines all names, so that at the Name of Jesus all knees should bend in heaven, on earth and among the dead, and all tongues proclaim that Christ Jesus is the Lord to the glory of God the Father.

GOSPEL READING:     Mt 26: 14- 27: 66

     The Passion of Our Lord according to Matthew.

REFLECTION

     Palm Sunday brings us to the celebration of the most holy week in the liturgical calendar. The reading for the Procession of Palms which recalls our Lord's triumphant entry into the holy city of Jerusalem and the Lord's Passion according to St. Matthew presents the Lamb of God, the Suffering Servant of God.

     The crowd was overjoyed in welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem: they praise and honor Jesus for his mighty deeds and his powerful teaching which prepare for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

     This very same crowd, at the instigation of the High Priests and their leaders, will turn their backs against him, humiliate him and even abjure their belief in God as the King of Israel, in order to crucify one who claimed to be King of the Jews and Son of God. They will shout to free Barabbas, a murderer; and abjure their belief in God, "We have no king but Caesar!" "Let his blood be upon us and our children." What prejudice and hate can do!

     As we celebrate Holy Week may we be willing to join with Christ, the Suffering Servant, on his road to Calvary and the cross and may we be rewarded with sharing in his glorious triumph and resurrection.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     BENJIE ZIALCITA

     FR. J. CESAR R. MARIN S.J.

     HARVEY S. KEH 

     MARY ANNE L.DEDUQUE

     MATTHEW HARRIS L.NGO

     YOLANDA B. CAPISTRANO

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the healing & speedy recovery of Ely & Petty Ymbang.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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