Gospel Reflection: Palm Sunday

Gospel Reflection: Palm Sunday

Today, we begin the celebration of the Holy Week with the solemn commemoration of the Lord's entry into the holy city, Jerusalem, to complete the Pascal mystery, and which means precisely, our Lenten observance is drawing close to an end. The procession narrative (Mark 11:1-10) and the Passion account (Mark 14:1-15:47) are drawn from the Gospel of Mark for Palm Sunday Year B. This gospel, known for its concise and urgent storytelling, vividly portrays Jesus' ministry, emphasizing His dynamic teachings, miraculous deeds, and, notably, His path to the Cross. Mark's narrative thrusts us into the heart of Jesus' mission, highlighting His deep compassion and unwavering dedication to humanity's redemption. Through these readings, we are invited to reflect on the profound paradoxes of Jesus' kingship and sacrifice, prompting a deeper engagement with the mystery of Easter.

Jesus entering Jerusalem on a colt
Eastern Orthodox fresco 

As we hear the Passion narratives today, Christ was sentenced and condemned unjustly to die in the most humiliating way on the Cross in obedience and in fulfilment of His Father's will to save the world from the reign of sin and injustices. On Palm Sunday, the Mother Church invites all her faithful children to reflect and pray for the injustice committed by our world today through the oppression of the voiceless, those persecuted violently and innocently killed in conflict areas, war zones, and particularly those who suffer from hunger, starvation, and famine. May Christ's self-sacrifice and death enable us all to work faithfully and tirelessly for justice and peace in our parish and our society of today. Amen.

Fr Mathew Minisare

During our Friday online stations and Taize reflections we have been reflecting on and praying for those facing persecution and experiencing the challenges of War using resources by Aid to the Church in Need.  Here is one of the many videos which remind us of their stories. This video reminds us of the impact on young people.

Year of Prayer: Taize Reflection and Stations

 Year of Prayer: Taize Reflection and Stations 

Every Friday between 7.00 and 8.00 during Lent we have an online reflection on 2 or 3 of the stations using images, scripture readings, poems, videos and Taize music to help us reflect on these two stations. We draw reflections from different stations, CAFOD, Aid to Church in Need, Mary's Story, Care for Creation, Vatican, Bishop's Conference, Missio. 

This week we focus on 2 stations the 4th station where Jesus meets his mother Mary, and the 8th station where Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. 

Our time of reflection starts with looking at the two stations using materials suitable for families with children and after about 15 minutes there is an opportunity for them or adults who are short of time to leave.  We then revisit the two stations with further reflections and times of silence.

This allows us to explore in a different way each station. Last week one person explained how:  

Its very different but that is what makes it interesting and keeps you engaged.

Slides from our stations showing 14 stations of the Cross 
from Aid to the Church in Need.

Using Taize music to support our time of prayer.  For those unable to join us, you may want to listen to this familiar Taize chant.  O Lord hear my prayer.

  

#RedWednesday Day 4

Day 4

Today we pray for the people of Nigeria. The Catholic Church in the north of Nigeria is under siege. The militant extremist group Boko Haram is committed to using force to drive Christians from northern Nigeria and turn the region into a hard line Islamist state. These campaigns by the extremists can target a variety of people, but Christians have been frequently been singled out. Towns and villages have been destroyed. People have been forced to flee their homes. Women and girls have been kidnapped and forced to marry and bear children for the extremists who have taken them. Despite this, many stand strong in their faith. 

Father Joseph Fidelis Bature describes the situation of Christians

around Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. 

"Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Yes, all who are incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” [Isaiah 41:10-13, NRSVCE]

 REFLECT: We pray that one day the people of northern Nigeria who have been displaced will be able to return to their home towns and villages and rebuild their lives there. We do not understand why so much hatred and violence exists in our world, but we know that you keep your promises and that you will bring some greater good out of all evil. 

#RedWednesday Day 3

Day 3

Today we pray for the people of Mozambique. The people of the Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique often live in fear. A rebel army in the region has been staging terrorist attacks since 2017. Christians in this area are particularly scared. Christian villages have been attacked, buildings have been destroyed and men, women and children are being kidnapped, injured and killed. This has meant that many Christians have had to leave their homes behind and become IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons). Towns and villages hundreds of miles away are becoming their temporary homes. Sister Monica of the Congregation of Our Lady of Fatima's Sisters of Reparation said all displaced people are at the centre of her concerns: "They are people with nothing, who depend entirely on solidarity. They're empty-handed people".

Victims of the violence in Cabo Delgado at a camp for displaced people
in Lichinga, in the province of Niassa. © ACN

 “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” [Psalms 32:7-8, NRSVCE]. 

REFLECT: Lord, we pray for the Christian people of Mozambique. We pray for those who have lost their lives in the violence and for those who mourn them. We thank you for the people who have welcomed others into their community, and pray for all those who live in fear. Today we pray the Lord’s Prayer for peace, for every person suffering for their faith and for tolerance for all people of faith. 

Follow with Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be plus your personal intentions.

#RedWednesday Day 2

 Day 2: 

Today we have a short video where we are led in our Novena Day 2 by Patricia from Aid to Church in Need. 

Today we pray for the people of Syria. They have suffered through war and fighting for over a decade, and are still in the midst of crisis today. Many Christians say that today’s economic crisis is worse than the many years of war they have endured. The high and rising costs of rent, medicine and food have left many households unable to cover their basic costs. Now nine out of ten Syrians do not have enough money to buy the food and clothing they need and to pay for somewhere to live. The effect of the war on the local Christian community has been immense. Today Christians comprise around 3.6% of the Syrian population, down from 10% before 2011.

"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:1-10, NRSVCE] 

REFLECT:  We pray, Lord, that the people of Syria are able to access the help they need, and we thank you for those who are there to deliver aid and provide support. We pray for peace in Syria, and ask you to bring peace to the hearts of your people there. Please continue to give them strength and courage to face the challenges of each day.

For copy of full Novena for RedWednesday from Aid to Church in Need

#RedWedesday Day 1

Today we start a novena prepared by Aid to the Church in Need where we are guided to reflect and pray for those persecuted for their faith.  We shall post extracts each day, but for a full copy of the Novena.  

Day 1: 

Today we are praying for freedom and tolerance for all religions and people of faith. We are praying for the freedom to believe in God, to practise our faith and for the religious freedom of those of other faiths and none. We pray for peace in our world, especially in places where it may be difficult for people to practise their faith. We pray that our world may become somewhere where all faiths are respected.

We pray especially for those who live in places where they may be hurt or killed for their religious beliefs. As we get closer to #RedWednesday, we pray for the strength and courage to speak up for those who are discriminated against for their faith.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” [Isaiah 43:1-2, NRSVCE] 

Follow with Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be plus your personal intentions.

God speaks to his children a Lock Down project sharing the Bible 

Religious Freedom Report 2021 (ACN)

St Thomas Becket a martyr

Today is the feast of a Bishop who was murdered in 1170 in Canterbury Cathedral.   As he was about to be murdered he said: "I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace."  He was a martyr for his faith and made a saint three years later. To learn more about his life this short video. 

Today there are still people who stand up and are willing to die for their faith.  The charity Aid to the Church in Need works tirelessly to help those who are being persecuted for their faith.  

And today's Nunc Dimittis - Simeon's song of praise which is sung acapella VOCES8: Nunc Dimittis - Paul Smith

Red Wednesday

# RedWednesday

 A sign to the local community of Red Wednesday a time to remember all those who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world.

For more information and further details about things happening for RedWednesday please visit the Aid to the Church in Need website.

The video below shares details of why this campaign is needed and features one of our parishioners.

Are you ready for #Red Wednesday 25th November

 #RedWednesday - 25th November 2020

Only two days to go to get ready for #RedWednesday 

Over the last five years Aid to the Church in Need have been encouraging us to join them in the  #RedWednesday campaign. It is a campaign designed to draw attention to the human rights tragedy of Christian and other religious persecution. Now a global initiative, endorsed by the UK government, it is time to make #RedWednesday a campaign with teeth that can really change lives.

• advocates for the well-being, rights and freedom of persecuted Christians
• calls for fair treatment of all faith groups and of those of no faith
• educates people on why religious freedom is so important
• encourages bridge-building between faith groups

There are lots of ideas for what you can do including prayer, petitions and sharing the message.  We are part of the universal church, and have much to learn from other Catholic communities. For an idea about setting up a red prayer corner following a Russian tradition and custom. Also see our Lancaster Young People Facebook Page for further updates on #RedWednesday.

Aid to Church in Need Children's Bible

We are going to post links to ACN Children's Bible in our side bar and on our Lancaster Young People's Facebook Page, but in the meantime, here is chapter 2 from book of Genesis with a reminder of two important messages - you are unique and you are loved by God.

Colouring Pages which of course are not just for children!: Seven Days of Creation
The tree of life and knowledge if good and bad
Question: What did God do on the seventh day? Read Genesis 1