"Beads of Joy" by RosaryManJim: Palm Sunday

BEADS OF JOY 04-14-19

“Palm Sunday”

“Jesus' Entry Into Jerusalem”

Palm Sunday in Lent

My Friends,

Happy Palm Sunday ! It's funny not many people say that today, though some of my Facebook friends have. I am impressed, thanks. Today is a most joyous day for us to celebrate. Today the Passion Narrative actually begins, and it begins a way that kind of makes you wonder, we start out with praise and love, all for Jesus; and not that much later this is followed by a crucifixion and hatred. Today Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, and He is welcomed with open arms, cloaks and palm are laid out on the ground for Jesus as He arrived on a colt (a colt is a sign of peace). Today's scripture can be found in Luke 22:14 – 23:56 (The Passion Narrative). There is so much joy for us to celebrate and so much joy to share together. Today we can spend some time in our reflection wondering: Do we really welcome Jesus into our hearts, our lives, our homes, our conversations, our thoughts, our motives? Do we really embrace Him into our lives? Or do we like those we read about in scripture turn on Jesus if what He says isn't what we want to hear? There are many questions in this paragraph. Let's take it nice and slow and even reread the scripture. He is our Teacher, and our Master. Let us embrace Him, His Word and what love He has given to us; we who are so unworthy of His love.

Jesus came into the world to die for us. It was the plan from the start, God knew it and so did Jesus. And we see by the words Mary spoke to Jesus at the Wedding at Cana that she knew there was a special plan for her Son. How can a body of people embrace and love someone so much; and then shortly after that turn against them? Jesus showed us true humility as He arrived in Jerusalem. Let us live our lives in such a way that we are humble, before God and before others. Here's a glance of the coming Passion our Lord shall endure.

The Passion Narrative (Luke 22:14-23:56)

Luke 22:14-46. Jesus prepares his followers and Luke's readers by speaking knowingly and confidently of what is to befall him. Submission, warning, and reassurance are dominant themes.

Luke 22:47-71. The priestly aristocracy of Jerusalem finally have their "hour" (see 22:52-53), and Peter is overcome. The temple-based authorities railroad Jesus toward execution. His words to them indicate that dialogue or persuasion is pointless in the face of their calculated intentions.

Luke 23:1-12. Roman authorities refuse to allow the Jerusalem aristocracy to presume upon Roman muscle to secure their desired outcome. Pilate and Herod mock Jesus, the notion of Jewish kingship, and the priestly prosecutors who breathlessly pursue their case. Roman power plays a game to discredit and humiliate the whole lot of them.

Luke 23:13-25. In a shocking scene, Pilate overplays his hand. He assembles residents of Jerusalem along with the aristocracy, presumably to embarrass the latter in the eyes of the former. But as soon as he broaches the idea of releasing Jesus, "the people" resist. They restart the trial by clamoring for Barabbas, a man with perhaps a more impressive track record of pursuing social change. Suddenly the emperor's representative can no longer control the scene. Luke depicts a showdown between what Pilate wants (see thelō in 23:20) and the will of the temple authorities and people (see thelēma in 23:25). In the background, readers remember Jesus' prayer about his Father's will being accomplished (see thelēma in 22:42).

Luke 23:26-56. As soon as the crucifixion begins, Luke begins to mitigate the role of "the people" by distinguishing them from their priestly leaders. Many of "the people" lament in 23:27. "The people" watch Jesus die while "the leaders" scoff (23:35; compare 23:48). Later, in 24:20, Jesus' followers blame only their "chief priests and leaders." As for Jesus, he continues to do what he came to do: accomplish salvation. Witness the criminal who turns to him in their final hours. From: The Working Preacher .org

Let us offer up this day to those who are rejected, and even more so those who were initially loved and then rejected. We can kind of see how some children who are killed in abortion can even be seen in this way. I know of some people who just abort their children because they didn't want more kids, unfortunate even those in my extended family. I am so ashamed of their selfish actions. They are married and in love, and it was through love that this wonderful child has been created, but in the end the child was betrayed and killed; just as our Lord has been. Jesus shares with us how important it is that we like Him forgive those who betray the innocent. It's not going to be easy by no means. I will be the first to admit it and say I will not go without stamping my feet and screaming. But through the grace of God I will forgive them. We need to pray for the betrayers of the innocent. We have been placed in their lives to pray for them.

Prayer of Forgiveness

Dear Lord, today I ask you to open my heart to learn from you, how to be more like you, in forgiving not only those who betrayed and killed you; but to forgive all those who betray the innocence of an unborn child and kill them. You know me better than I do; it's not going to be easy for me. Please help guide me even closer to you, as you give me the strength and grace to open my heart and love for everyone you have died for. For you didn't come to save only the righteous, but sinners, and all of us are sinners; Thank you, Lord for always making everything in my life be what you want it to be. I desire nothing if it is not of you. My life is perfect, even in its imperfections, because I embrace only you. Your will is mine, nothing else matters. Thank You Lord, Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Challenge: Make crosses with the palm you receive from Mass. LOL that can be a challenge for many of us. I have good moments and I have moments no matter what I do, they fall apart. Have Fun. I love doing this, I have been making them, since I was a kid; I could make them like a factory, literally over and over right in front of your eyes. My mom taught me when I was a kid.

Holy week begins today...

Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem
[Palm Sunday]

LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Today is Sunday: We pray the Glorious Mysteries:

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection (Faith) –Mark 16:1-8
2. The Ascension (Hope) –Luke 24:50-53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) –Acts 2:1-4
4. Assumption of Mary (Grace of a Happy Death) –Rev 12:1-6
5. Coronation of Mary (Mary’s intercession) –Judith 15:9-10

Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!