March 20 - Passion Sunday : Marching with Jesus

Gospel at the Procession with Palms Luke 19:28-40
Jesus sends his disciples for a colt and then rides into Jerusalem.

First Reading  Isaiah 50:4-7
The Lord's Servant will stand firm, even when persecuted.

Responsorial Psalm  Psalm22:8-9,17-20,23-24
A cry for help to the Lord in the face of evildoers.

Second Reading  Philippians 2:6-11
Christ was obedient even to death, but God has exalted him.

Gospel Reading
Luke 22:14—23:56 (shorter form: Luke 23:1-49) 

Indeed,we have reached the climax of the liturgical year, the highest peak ofsalvation history, when all that has been anticipated and promised is to befulfilled. By the close of today’s long Gospel, the work of our redemption willhave been accomplished, the new covenant will be written in the blood of Hisbroken body hanging on the cross at the place called the Skull. The palms thatwe use today should be sings that we are willing to follow and march with Jesusnot only in moments of glory but also in times of fall and agony.