Used with permission of Creighton University Online Ministries.
We begin our celebration with an invitation to remember what happened on this very special day.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, since the beginning of Lent until now we have prepared our hearts by penance and charitable works. Today we gather together to herald with the whole Church the beginning of the celebration of our Lord’s Paschal Mystery, that is to say, of his Passion and Resurrection. For it was to accomplish this mystery that he entered his own city of Jerusalem. Therefore, with all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city for our salvation, following in his footsteps, so that, being made by his grace partakers of the cross, we may have a share also in his Resurrection and in his life.
The Blessing of Palms
Almighty and ever-living God, sanctify these branches with your blessing, that we, who follow Christ the King in exultation, may reach the eternal Jerusalem through him. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
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Increase the faith of those who place their hope in you, O God, and graciously hear the prayers of those who call on you, that we, who today hold high these branches to hail Christ in his triumph, may bear fruit for you by good works accomplished in him.Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Invitatory:
“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.”
Collect:
Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow caused our savior to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously grant that we may head his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
The Readings:
The Procession Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11
Readings for Mass: Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14 – 23:56
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Daily Meditation:
For a closer union with Jesus in his humility, in his suffering. This Sunday we hold palm branches in our hands, and wave them to greet our Lord’s entry into the city of our salvation. Last year’s palms were burned to form the ashes that marked our foreheads to begin this Lenten journey. We can place these palm branches – perhaps from each member of the family – in a special place in our home (maybe cutting a small piece and putting it some place where I work). Each day this week they can represent our celebration of his love for me. That symbol can say so many words – all that I am about to celebrate and accept as love for me, and all the entry into Jerusalem experiences in my life.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Hosts, Heaven and earth are full of your glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
Intercessions:
As Christ entered Jerusalem he was greeted as King and Messiah, Let us adore him, and joyfully praise him: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna to you, Son of David, King of the ages, -hosanna to you, victor over death and the powers of darkness.
You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory, -lead your Church into the paschal feast of heaven.
You made your cross the tree of life, – give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.
Savior of mankind, you came to save sinners, – bring into your kingdom all who have faith, hope, and love.
Closing Prayer:
Loving God, I am just beginning to realize how much you love me. Your son, Jesus was humble and obedient. He fulfilled your will for him by becoming human and suffering with us. I ask you for the desire to become more humble so that my own life might also bear witness to you. I want to use the small sufferings I have in this world to give you glory.
Please, Lord, guide my mind with your truth. Strengthen my life by the example of Jesus. Help me to be with Jesus in this week as he demonstrates again his total love for me. He died so that I would no longer be separated from you. Help me to feel how close you are and to live in union with you.
Conclusion:
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
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