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 name.
even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.
Phil 2:8-9
This weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, the days during which we journey with Jesus on His way of the cross and anticipate His Resurrection on Easter. We hear Matthew's account of the Passion of Jesus, which places a lot of focus on Jesus' obedience to the will of his Father. As Jesus sends his disciples to prepare for Passover, he indicates that the events to come are the will of the Father (Matthew 26:18). In Jesus’ prayer in the garden, he prays three times to the Father to take away the cup of suffering, but each time, Jesus concludes by affirming his obedience to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39-44). Even Matthew’s description of Jesus’ death shows Jesus’ obedience to the Father. Jesus is obedient to the Father even in death, so that sins may be forgiven.
In the characters of Matthew’s Gospel, we find reflections of ourselves and the many ways in which we sometimes respond to Jesus. Sometimes we are like Judas, who betrays Jesus and comes to regret it. We are sometimes like Peter, who denies him, or like the disciples, who fell asleep during Jesus’ darkest hour but then act rashly and violently at his arrest. Sometimes we are like Simon, who is pressed into service to help Jesus carry his cross. Sometimes we are like the leaders who fear Jesus or like Pontius Pilate, who washed his hands of the whole affair. Jesus died so that all our sins will be forgiven. Let us not forget Who He truly is - God made man, the Son of the Father, the King of Kings, the Savior, the Messiah - and let us enter into Holy Week with open eyes to see Him and open hearts to give Him the homage He deserves as our King, Messiah, and God.
Join us this Saturday for a night of fun, foolish, trivia! Bring your friends, food and libations and come on out for a good time!
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry!
This is the last week to enjoy the KofC Lenten Fish Fry! All food will be ordered at the drive through, but those who wish to gather and socialize may order/pick up their meals and carry them into the gym for consumption. Water and coffee will be available along with plastic cutlery in the gym. Along with payment, they will be collecting canned goods for the food pantry.
Stations of the Cross
Join the Catholic Daughters tomorrow, Friday, March 31 at 5:15 PM for the Stations of the Cross through Mary's eyes. "Mary, the Mother of Jesus, made that first way of the cross. These stations, called Mary’s Way of the Cross, attempt to present that viewpoint. In these stations we see through Mary’s eyes what Jesus was going through on the way of Calvary."
2023 Chrism Mass
The Faithful of the Diocese are invited to join Bishop Zinkula and his priests for the 2023 Chrism Mass, Monday, April 3, at 10:00 AM, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport. The priests of the Diocese renew the promise they made at their ordination, and the Bishop will bless the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick and will consecrate the Sacred Chrism.
In conjunction with the Chrism Mass, all diocesan clergy attend a meeting in Davenport, so there will be no Confession or 5:15 PM Daily Mass on Monday, April 3.
"Triduum: A Spiritual Pilgrimage cinematically walks through the locations of the Holy Week story, representing the most important days of human history. Immersed in the real and sacred places of the Holy Land, the pilgrim faithful is brought tangible nearer to the story, the landscape, and the reality of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Journey along this spiritual pilgrimage and be drawn more deeply into the life and love of God."
