Gospel Reflection: Matthew 26:14-27:66

This Weekend’s Gospel tells the story of the passion and devotion of Jesus Christ, from the betrayal of Judas Iscariot to the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The reflection on this Gospel passage invites us to contemplate on the depth of Jesus' love for us, as he willingly accepted his death to save us from our sins. As Catholics we are asked to evaluate our own lives and ask ourselves if we are truly following Jesus and living as he taught us. We also reflect on the importance of forgiveness, as Jesus forgave those who betrayed and crucified him, and we too are called to forgive others who have wronged us. This serves as a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and the need for us to live lives of gratitude and service in response to his love. We are challenged to take up our own crosses and follow Jesus, embracing the challenges and difficulties that come with discipleship while remaining faithful to him.

 Holy Week

This Sunday, Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week. Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. Palm Sunday is known as such because the faithful will often receive palm fronds which they use to participate in the re-enactment of Christ's arrival in Jerusalem. In the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey, and to the lavish praise of the townspeople who threw clothes, palms or small branches, in front of him as a sign of admiration. This was a customary practice for people of great respect.

Holy Week is the week before Easter Sunday and ends with Holy Saturday. Easter is not part of Holy Week, but rather the beginning of the Easter season of the Liturgical year. The events of Holy Week invite us to reflect on our own commitment to following Jesus’ example of love, humility, and selflessness. We are called to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter by considering our own response to Jesus’ sacrifice and our own willingness to follow his teachings.

At St. Francis of Assisi, we will be celebrating Holy Week starting with a Palm Sunday Prayer Celebration on Monday 3^rd April in the Hall between 10.30am-11.00am. We warmly invite families to attend our commemoration. Throughout the week students will learn about the importance of Holy Week, and on Thursday 6^th April, students will participate in and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice as they participate in the Stations of the Cross.

Project Compassion

Thank you to all those who have generously donated with your children placing money in the Project Compassion boxes in classrooms. This coming week marks the final week of Lent and the final week of the Project Compassion Appeal. All classrooms still have Project Compassion boxes if you would like to donate.