Connect What Happens at Sunday Mass to Everyday Life in the Home
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Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’” So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying this colt?” They answered, “The Master has need of it.” So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He said in reply, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”
Remember to allow plenty of time for each family member to both think about and answer each question before moving onto the next one.
Reminder: *Sacrifice jar *Family prayer *Confession
Palm Procession: A Performance After recounting the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem from Mount Olive, explain to your family that they will have an opportunity to re-enact what happened that day. Although it happened many years ago, we can still feel a part of it by taking part in it!
In the simplest form, ask for some volunteers to be Jesus and the people in the city. Ask one family member to slowly read through Luke 19:28-40, allowing the younger members of the family to act out the parts being read aloud. When the crowds are praising Jesus, encourage your child(ren) to say, “Blessed is He! Hosanna in the highest!” or simply, “Hosanna! Hosanna!”
If your family would care to get more elaborate, find props such as Jesus’ cloak, a donkey, palm branches, a road, and costumes. You may carefully use the blessed palms from Mass or create your own by tracing your child(ren)’s hand multiple times on green paper (or coloring white paper green), cutting the handprints out, and gluing/pasting the palms of the hands to a painting stick or straw or something of the like. This will create a cute set of hand palms to wave!
Place at least one of your blessed palm branches from Mass in your sacred space. Alternatively, place one of your homemade palm crafts in the space.
Father, as we enter this Holy Week, prepare our hearts to understand Your sacrifice.
Blessed are You, the King, who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in Heaven, and glory in the highest! Amen.
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