bukas palad: April 2012

Holy Saturday, 7 April
From the Apostles' Creed:
"He descended into hell".

On this day, let me love Jesus by being with him in the quiet of death, but, more so, by savoring the truth of his descent: in the face of death, not nothingness but fullness of love for life.

Good Friday, 6 April
From the Verse before the Reading of the Passion of the Lord:
"Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name".

Throughout this day, let me treasure Jesus' self-sacrifice, pondering in my heart its significance: God's love.

Holy Thursday, 5 April
From the 2nd Reading at the Mass of the Lord's Supper:

"...the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, 'This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Cor 11.23-24)

Today, at evening Mass, the Church recalls Jesus' gift of the Eucharist and his call to service. As I participate in this celebration, let me consider my response to these graces through which God desires I become, like Jesus, bread broken for a world in need.

Wednesday, 4 April
From the Entrance Antiphon of today's Eucharist:
"At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, for the Lord became obedient to death, death on a cross: therefore Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father". (Phil 2.10,8,11)

As I reflect on my life--all that has been, is and will be--how can I not kneel in gratitude before Jesus in whom I am alive today and enjoying the depth, the breadth and the height of God's love for me and this world?

Tuesday, 3 April
From the Entrance Antiphon of today's Eucharist:
"Do not leave me to the will of my foes, O Lord, for the false witnesses rise up against me and they breathe out violence."

Let me recall those moments when the Lord stayed with me in my difficulties; am I prepared to do the same for others who turn to me for help?

Monday, 2 April
From the Entrance Antiphon of today's Eucharist:
"Contend, O Lord, with my contenders; fight those who fight me. Take up your buckler and shield; arise in my defense, Lord, my mighty help".

Time and time again the Lord defends and protects me; what do these moments reveal about God's plan for me?

Sunday, 1 April / Palm Sunday

From the Entrance Antiphon of today's Eucharist:

"Six days before the Passover, when the Lord came into the city of Jerusalem, the children ran to meet him; in their hands they carried palm branches and with a loud voice cried out: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!"

It is never not too late; the Lord of mercy still comes and calls me to conversion. Should I not make space and time to welcome him more into my life this Holy Week?

artwork: stations by michelle mahan

bukas palad

with open hands, we give what we have first received. and with open hands, we receive what we will divest, once again. this is blessing itself: the giving and receiving of life and love, the sharing of faith and God.

Easter 2012

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Lenten Thoughts 2012: Holy Week

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