Palm Sunday

Mark 14:1 and Mark 15:1-47 or Mark 15:1-39 New American Bible

Mark 14:1,15:1-47 or Mark 15:1-39 Bible Gateway New International Version

“Crucify Him.”

It is incredible to me to think that the same words Jesus spoke to his disciples the night before he died thousands of years ago, are spoken by the priest during the consecration of the Mass. “While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” Listen for these words when the priest is holding up the big round host of bread and the cup of wine before the Our Father. When the priest says those words, the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ because Jesus gave them that power when he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Jesus was discouraged, afraid, and asked God to take this cup away from him when he was hanging on the cross. He didn’t want to be killed in this way. However, Jesus said, “but Father, your will be done.” Because God loved us very much, he allowed his only Son die on the cross and then raised him up to live again on the third day so that you and I can go to Heaven.

When we pray we remember that God will furnish our needs, and he will listen to our prayers. He may not answer them in the way we think they should be answered, but he will answer our prayers. If you don’t get what you asked for, remember that God has something better planned in answer to your prayers.

When God leads you to a fence, he will help you climb over it. If God leads you to a door, he will open it for you. If one door shuts in front of you, look around because God will open another door just for you.

Ways to Follow Jesus This Week

Seven Days until Easter

Monday: When you talk with God today, remember to thank him for sending Jesus so that your sins could be forgiven. Thank him for sending you family and friends to surround you with caring love.

Tuesday: Today, pray for all people who are being hurt by other people. If you have hurt someone, tell that person you are sorry and ask him/her to forgive you.

Wednesday: Make and decorate a card to give to someone who seems to be feeling sad.

Thursday: Teach someone how to do something or ask someone to show you how to do something.

Friday: Ask your grandmother and/or grandfather to tell you 3 ways you are like your parents were when they were children. Ask them to share a funny story about your parents.

Saturday: Ask your parents to read their favorite Psalm in the Bible. Copy it and put it on the refrigerator or on the mirror in the bathroom.

Sunday: Say a prayer for all the people who couldn’t or didn’t come to Church today. Ask God to surround them with peace and joy.

Say the “Our Father” to show God you love him and that you will not deny knowing him.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.