Readings for April 5, 2020 — Palm Sunday

Matthew 21:1-11; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54 

• In the psalm, Jesus questions why God has abandoned him. What can we do to trust in God during times of hardship? How can trusting in God teach us valuable lessons about how to love God and others?
• The second reading talks about how Jesus emptied himself and took the form of a slave. What can Jesus tell us about being humble? How can we relate to Jesus, as he was fully human just as much as he was fully divine?
• What new insights does the Gospel reading give us about the importance of the sacrament of the Eucharist? As Jesus sits and eats with others, what does he teach us about community?

St. Stanislaus lived from 1030 to 1079 and was Bishop of Kraków, Poland. He spoke out strongly against the injustices of the King Boleslaw II, even excommunicating him from the church. Boleslaw ordered Stanislaus’ death, but when his soldiers would not comply, the king killed Stanislaus with his own hand. Outrage over Stanislaus’ martyrdom forced Boleslaw to flee the country. It is said that he later repented of his sins and entered a monastery. St. Stanislaus is the patron saint of Poland and of moral order. His feast day is April 11.

Questions for Reflection:

• Unfortunately, history provides us with many examples of people who spoke out against the moral injustices of political powers and were killed for it. These people are often referred to by the Church as martyrs or prophets. Who do you see acting as a prophet in our world today?
• Have you ever been challenged to follow your conscience at personal cost? What was that experience like? What gave you the courage to do so?