We are excited to host the 2024 ABMK Provincial Convention!!
See ABMK 2024 for details and to register.
Mass readings, reflections and activities for Palm Sunday (Year A)
On Palm Sunday we have two gospel readings. The first gospel reading relates how Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The donkey was a very humble animal – not very special for such a special person like Jesus. Why do you think he chose a donkey? If Jesus were to arrive here today, what would he ride or drive? All of the people were so happy to see Jesus that they cut branches from palm trees to lay before him to show their respect. This is why today is called Palm Sunday and why we wave palms. They shouted to show their joy and praise for God. Why do you think the crowds were so full of happiness and praise for Jesus? What would you have done if you were in the crowd? What would you do to welcome Jesus if he arrived here today? God made all of us, no matter where in the world that we come from. Jesus is in all of us. So every time we meet someone and we welcome them, we are welcoming Jesus. Jesus is in all people, so we should treat all people with the respect, love and kindness that we would show to Jesus. We should try to welcome all people into our lives and treat them as we would like to be treated. Can you think of a time you welcomed someone else, into your home, your group, your social activities? What did you do? Or have you ever been welcomed by others? What did they do to make you feel special and welcome? This week let’s try to welcome all people as we would welcome Jesus. The second gospel reading is called the Passion and tells the story of how Jesus was arrested, tried, crucified and buried. The stories of transformation of the past three Sundays – the woman at the well, the healing of the blind man, and the raising of Lazarus – now culminate in the final act of transformation in the Son of God. Everything is upside-down: the One without sin feels total abandonment and suffers an innocent death. The God who surprised us in Bethlehem again surprises us at the cross. Everything seems an utter failure, yet everything has been transformed forever. Reflections
Kid's challenge this week
Today we hear how crowds of people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem shortly before he was crucified. We have palms to remind us of how the people cut branches and laid them in the road before him as they shouted with joy. God made all of us. Jesus is in all of us. So everytime we meet someone and we welcome them with respect, love and kindness, we are welcoming Jesus. This week, let’s try to welcome all people as we would welcome Jesus.
