Daily Lenten Reflections

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Passion Sunday

Reflection

In the first Gospel of Palm Sunday, the crowds are wild with joy as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Presumably, the Apostles are at Jesus’ side, basking in the great affection the people are showering on Jesus. By the end of the Passion account, the people have turned on Jesus and Peter has denied that he even knows Jesus.

I’m struck by how fickle the people of Jesus day were, and I don’t think they are alone. I’m reminded how many people have pivoted on their reaction to Pope Francis depending on what he says on any given day.

As we come to the end of Lent this week, I hope that the fruits of this season will not be set aside as we move into the joyful Easter season. We have prayed, fasted and given alms during this time to grow in grace and move closer to Jesus. When we have a moment like Peter, will we stay close to Christ or run away?

Prayer

Jesus, strengthen our faith, we pray, so that we will never be fickle in our relationship with you. Amen.

Fr. Patrick Forman, ’85, Board of Trustees

Scripture

Procession Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Matthew 26:14—27:66

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry

The Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry at Saint Michael’s College is to share the Good News of the Gospel with the College community by facilitating encounter with Jesus Christ. We do this through the celebration of the Church’s Liturgy, in programs promoting knowledge of the Catholic faith, by developing ecumenical and interreligious relationships, and providing retreats and other opportunities for personal spiritual growth.

The Catholic and Edmundite tradition upon which the College was founded is grounded in the conviction that all women and men are created in the image and likeness of God providing a special dignity unique to each person. Such dignity requires human life to be respected in all of its stages recognizing that we are all children of God.

Therefore, in its pursuit of furthering the Reign of God, the Edmundite Campus Ministry staff seeks to interact with and support every member of the College community in their search for Truth, contributing to the “enhancement of the human person and to the advancement of human culture in light of the Catholic faith.”