My brothers and sisters, Christ our Lord has risen from the dead, and calls on us to rise with Him to newness of life, so it is time for us to work on our physical, mental and spiritual lives by bringing fresh vigor to our bodies and spirit, by creating a positive outlook in our minds, and hearts; and by being a vibrant presence within our community, so as to have a better relationship with God, with ourselves and with others.
He slept, so that we might be awakened, He died, so that we might live - St. Augustine
Behold, Jesus Christ crucified, who is the only foundation of our hope; He is our mediator and advocate; the victim and sacrifice for our sins.
Do this in memory of me (Luke 22:19)
This life is all given us for weeping and penance, not for idle discourses.
Saint Balbina you were a true example of God’s grace manifested here in the world, intercede for me, to grow spiritually and be filled with God’s grace.
Remember, that if God's mercy is infinite, so also is His justice.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, as we meditate on today’s celebration, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, never forget that Jesus’s passion and death was an act of love. Hence, let us reciprocate our love for God by sincerely going back to Him in sorrow; by remorsefully acknowledging our sins; by asking God for pardon through the sacrament of Confession; and lastly, by truly making amends and changing our lives like Peter did.
Let every setback be a step toward deeper faith and greater humility.
Let us labor not only for ourselves, but for the good of those who will come after us.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Let us imitate Mary, who accepted the Word of God with faith, and allowed it to take root in her heart.
Jesus warned His followers that following Him doesn't mean that things will always be easy. Saint Aldemar knew that. Even when he did his best to stay out of a dispute, trouble came looking for him. But he just stayed true to Christ and kept doing what Jesus asked him to do.
Time is not our own, and we must give a strict account of it.
My dear brothers and sisters, we are really and genuinely blessed by God as His children as today’s readings remind us, but we have to acknowledge these blessings by accepting Him as our Savior and Redeemer; by admitting and proclaiming His existence in our world; and by recognizing Him in our everyday lives no matter the pain, suffering, difficulties, hardships and struggles that come our way.
