These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Is 49:1-6)
One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus' side. (Jn 13:21-33, 36-38)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040423.cfm
A central figure of the Fourth Gospel (the one we call “According to John”) is the Beloved Disciple. In the Upper Room, it is the Beloved Disciple, not Peter or John or any of the others who is closest to Jesus. Although generally considered to be anonymous, perhaps the Beloved Disciple is actually named by the gospel writer in chapter 11. Nevertheless, the Beloved Disciple stands in for all of us, the beloved disciples of the Lord. The second Servant Song reminds us that the light is to “reach to the ends of the earth.”
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased. (Is 42:1-7)
And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him. (Jn 12:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040323.cfm
There are four Songs of the Servant of the Lord in the Prophecy of Isaiah. They are assigned to Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday. On Good Friday we will hear the fourth song, the Song of the Suffering Servant. These songs were used extensively in the preaching of the early church. Today’s song echoes the voice heard at the Baptism of Jesus. The dinner in the home of Bethany takes on added significance with the meal that Martha serves, the extravagant gesture of the anointing of Jesus by Mary, and then the plot to kill Lazarus.
A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly. (Mt 26:14-27:66)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040223.cfm
Peter’s anguish over his denials breaks the hearts of all believers because we’ve all been there. Perhaps not in some grand gesture of rejection, but in the many little daily denials. But mercy surrounds us, every moment of our lives and gives us the grace to extend that mercy to others. To love as Jesus has loved us all. May this Holy Week before us be filled with grace and renewal to ministry and service of God’s people.
Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, "What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?" (Jn 11:45-56)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040123.cfm
Of course Jesus will go up to Jerusalem to accomplish the work of our salvation. This Saturday before Palm Sunday we remember the Virgin Mary, la Madre Dolorosa, who faithfully followed her Son on his sorrowful journey and stood beneath his Cross.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 18)
R/. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
In my distress I called upon the LORD and cried out to my God; From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.
R/. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033123.cfm
Today’s photo is of the Holy Week schedule from my local parish, Nuestra Señora de las Lomas (Our Lady of the Hills), located next door to where I live. The pastor, Father Rubén Darío Ospina, is the only priest assigned to the parish. If I were not here, he would be celebrating all the services and Masses by himself. It is a joy to be able to help out. Here is a link to Holy Week celebrations in Colombia: https://medellinguru.com/semana-santa/. All of you will be in my Holy Week Masses and prayers. In addition to the Holy Week schedule, a typical Colombian parish will have as many as 5 processions, some have more.
