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March 27, 2023

Preparing for the Journey

Karen Oliveto   |   Read Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

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Lectionary Week
March 27–April 2, 2023
Scripture Overview

The Liturgy of the Palms readings prepare us for Palm Sunday, when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem in triumph. The psalmist celebrates the one who comes in the name of the Lord, who is celebrated with palm branches. Matthew then tells the story of Jesus, who enters Jerusalem in this way and is greeted with joy, such that the crowds quote Psalm 118. The Liturgy of the Passion points to the end of that week and the coming suffering of Jesus. Isaiah and the psalmist describe being treated with contempt, beaten, and rejected. In reciting the earliest known Christian hymn, Paul in Philippians emphasizes how Christ surrenders his glory and is subjected to humiliation and death. Matthew recounts the passion of the Messiah, who is rejected as the prophets have foretold.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29. How has God been steadfast in your life? How do you praise God for this continual presence?
Read Matthew 21:1-11. How would you expect a ruler to enter a city? How is Jesus’ entrance the same? How is it different?
Read Isaiah 50:4-9a. What does being a servant of God look like? How does God help you live as a servant?
Read Philippians 2:5-11. Consider the author’s suggestion that Jesus manifests his divinity by being completely obedientto God. How does this change the way you think about the divine image within you?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

1 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. 2 Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 19 Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the LORD! 20 This is the LORD’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it. 21 I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. 22 The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! 23 This has happened because of the LORD; it is astounding in our sight! 24 This is the day the LORD acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it! 25 LORD, please save us! LORD, please let us succeed! 26 The one who enters in the LORD’s name is blessed; we bless all of you from the LORD’s house. 27 The LORD is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God—I will give thanks to you! You are my God—I will lift you up high! 29 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Are you one of those people who wake up fully alert, energetic, and ready to leap out of bed to carpe diem? Or do you like to approach the day ever so slowly? Or perhaps you prefer to pull the covers over your head in hope that the day will...

Recite this as a breath prayer: “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”


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