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Holy Week
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Holy WeekWelcome to Holy Week!
I hope and pray that this Lenten season has been fruitful for each of you. I know that for myself that there have been definite moments of grace and some moments where it felt like I forgot that it was Lent. I have found that, during wherever we find ourselves on the spiritual journey, when we make an intentional motion to God He will hear us, grasp us by the hand, and walk with us to make the next positive step towards being His child. So, may this season of Lent and wherever we find ourselves now be the first step to walk with God right now, tomorrow, and every day of our lives.
Thank you each! This will be the last reading/question/activity offering for this retreat, but look for a reflection post on Holy Thursday and Easter blessings on Easter Sunday. Please know of my prayers for each of you and your families and I kindly ask your prayers for mine. Thank you again! God bless!
Opening Prayer: Litany of St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
He has made him lord of his household, And prince over all his possessions. Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading: Mark 14:1 - 15:47
Due to the length of this reading, please see the entirety of this beautiful Gospel passage at: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion | USCCB
Questions for Reflection (note - consider keeping a journal with your answers during the retreat):
1. Choose a section from this Gospel; perhaps a section that always strikes you or perhaps one that has just struck you now. What is so striking about this passage? How does it speak to you? Why do you think Jesus is causing this passage to stick out to you? Spend some time in prayer with these questions and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
Activities:
1. The Spiritual Fathers of the Church speak often on the importance of meditating on Jesus Christ crucified. Make a plan for yourself for the rest of this year to regularly return to this Gospel in prayer and reflection throughout the year, with the intention of growing closer in love and relationship with the Son of God. If doing this retreat with others, consider working out ways to meet this goal together with each other.
Closing Prayer: Prayer Before the Crucifix
Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus,
while before Thy face I humbly kneel and,
with burning soul,
pray and beseech Thee
to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments
of faith, hope and charity;
true contrition for my sins,
and a firm purpose of amendment.
While I contemplate,
with great love and tender pity,
Thy five most precious wounds,
pondering over them within me
and calling to mind the words which David,
Thy prophet, said of Thee, my Jesus:
“They have pierced My hands and My feet,
they have numbered all My bones.”
Amen.