Lenten Reflection

by Sr. Margherita Ianni, SCGR

This coming Sunday, on which we celebrate “Palm Sunday” marks the beginning of Holy week. As we rejoice with Jesus as He enters triumphantly into the city of Jerusalem and we hear the crowed call out, “Hosanna to the son of David, let us ask ourselves, who am I in that crowd.
There we see, Judas Iscariot who later betrayed Jesus, Peter who denied Him, John who faithfully followed Him and was at the foot of the cross when He died and the other apostles who fled out of fear. I am sure that Mary His mother must have been there, even though she is not mentioned.
Each one of us can identify with one of these characters. As we journey through holy week, let us walk with Christ on His way to Calvary. He, the innocent lamb of God, was unjustly condemned to death on the cross, so that through His suffering and death He could redeem us and bring us back to the Father. Jesus loved us so much that He willingly accepted this painful death for us.
On Holy Thursday, try to participate at the Mass of the Lord’s supper. On this special night, when Jesus was preparing for His death, He wished to have His last supper with His apostles. It was during this supper that He wanted to give us the most precious gift of all, His body and blood in the sacrament of the Eucharist. He told his apsotles that He would remain with us until the end of time and He chose to remain with us in the mystery of the eucharist under the species of bread and wine. This is why after the consecration the priest says, “Let us proclaim the mystery of faith” The Eucharist is truly the mystery of faith.
On Good Friday, don’t forget to participate in the Good Friday services. On this most sacred of days, reflect on Jesus’ way of the cross from the palace of Pilot to the foot of the cross on Calvary. Watch Jesus as he suffers and dies for us. He loves us so much that just before He dies, He gives us His mother to be our mother. To Mary he says, “Woman, behold your son.” To John the beloved apostle, he says, “son behold your mother.”
John, at the feet of the cross represents each one of us. How do w accept Mary as our mother in our life.? As you reflect on the passion of Jesus, which gospel character do you wish to be? May we all be like John, the beloved, who followed Jesus all tha way to Calvary.
During this Holy week, put all unnecessary things away tnd put Jesus first in your life. Have a prayerful and peaceful Holy Week.