April 13, 2025 - One Bread, One Body
April 13, Passion (Palm) Sunday
Cycle C Readings:
1) Luke 19:28-40 (Entrance Processional)
Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
2) Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 22:14—23:56
Living stones
“I tell you the very stones would cry out.” —Luke 19:40
The hard stones on the path to Jerusalem were ready to praise Jesus as King of Glory (Lk 19:40). Even the hard stones of the tomb embraced, sheltered and protected the dead body of Jesus. Sadly, those who opposed Jesus had hearts as hard as the stone-cold tomb. Jesus desired so much to transform hardened human hearts that He became a man to reveal the Father’s love and die so that we might have the chance for eternal life.
Will we have stony hearts? (Ez 36:26) Will we be stony ground (see Mk 4:5) and cry out, “Crucify Jesus” (see Lk 23:21)? Or will we be “living stones” to build the Church, the Kingdom of God? (1 Pt 2:5) The Church is built on St. Peter, the Rock (Mt 16:18). If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts as hard as stones (Ps 95:8).
To soften our stony hearts, Jesus allowed His body to be pierced. He eagerly desired to share the Passover, the Mass, with us (Lk 22:15). He loves us unto death (Jn 13:1ff). God can raise up children of Abraham from the stones (Lk 3:8). Let’s not allow the stones to out-praise us. Let the Lord change you from rock-hard to a living stone. Cry out in praise, Hosanna!
Prayer: Father, soften my stony heart to be like clay in Your hands of love (Jer 18:6).
Promise: “The Lord God is My help, therefore I am not disgraced.” —Is 50:7
Praise: “Blessed is He Who comes as King in the name of the Lord!” (Lk 19:38)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from April 1, 2025, through May 31, 2025. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 4, 2024."
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.