The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, March 20, 2005
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Matthew 21:1-11
Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22:8-9,17-20,23-24
Philippians 2:6-11
Matthew 26:14--27:66

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Surely it is not I, Lord?"

The apostles were deeply distressed when Jesus announced at the Last Supper, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me," One after another pleaded, "Surely it is not I, Lord? Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you," each vowed.

Jesus guides: "watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." He says "My soul is sorrowful even to death" and requests they watch with Him in the garden. His disciples sleep, failing to give Him their support.

Promising "though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be," Peter swears, curses, and denies vehemently that he knows his beloved Jesus. The apostles who vowed to die rather than deny Him "left Him and fled" as Jesus suffers and dies.

Jesus knows they'll be overcome with weariness, fear, and grief and consoles them before they fall: "This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken." He quotes scripture, "I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed" as He reassures He will come and gather them when He rises.

Lord, May our "seeing" inspire us to watch and pray so as not to be put to the test. When we sincerely vow to love You, then find ourselves lost--wearied, grieved, scattered and denying that we even know You--may we not despair condemning ourselves, and die in sin as did Judas; but rather, like Peter, the "rock," recall and find ourselves as we turn to You, our beloved Shepherd.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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posted by joachim at 5:19 AM