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Reflection for Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28-40
S. Marita Gilsdorf, Sherwood, WI
Here we are. We stand at the beginning of the most hope filled week in the church calendar braiding our fresh palms. It’s not like reading our latest novel where we have to turn the pages to learn the outcome. We know the outcome. Our sins are covered with our redeemer’s blood and in three days we will stand like Mary in the garden and hear Him call our name. My grandma had a saying: what do you hang your heart on? We can now hang our hearts on the overwhelming love of our God until He calls us home. Thank you God!
Triduum-Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday
S. Carol Haanen, Appleton, WI
Symbols sear layers of meaning
Rituals draw in Christ’s Paschal Mystery
Life’s sufferings, deaths/losses and risings; mine and everyone’s
Paschal events in culture, world, universe; ever same, ever new.
Washing Feet and Breaking Bread
Last love Supper, “This is my body. This is my blood.”
But John’s Gospel, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Washing feet is being Eucharist
Service, Eucharist, receiving Holy Oils,
Become, belong, be healed, serve
Disciples of unity, compassion, service, speaking truth, living Justice
Three Crosses
Crucifix, familiar in homes, film, childhood imagery
Jesus, Paschal Victim, hanging in horrific suffering, dying for our sins
But John’s Good Friday’s Gospel, a Victory!
Outstretched arms in charge, life’s surrender
Power, authority, fulfilled convictions, completing the mission
Taking up his life, laying it down in unconditional love
Procession of each one’s emotions to venerate the Cross
Sorrow, hope, gratitude, empathy, forgiveness; alone yet together
My cross, my suffering, with Christ and each other
Jesus has done this Paschal journey for us, before us “
You too, will be with me. “
Night of Fire and water
Fire burning, one light shattering darkness, shared with many, spreading hope
Stories told, water blessed, poured on new members.
White clothed, shinning oiled faces of new faith-filled excitement
Renewed, reminded, recommitted to catch and spread the promise
Come to the table, you, too, will be transformed
“I am alive, I am with you always.”
Be my voice, hands and feet.
