Palm Sunday – Liturgy preparation

Opening Comment (for Mass without Procession or Solemn Entrance)

Today’s liturgy gives us a preview of the events we will celebrate in the Easter Triduum later this week. The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus are the focus of this and every Sunday celebration.

 

Introduction to the Scripture Readings

Isaiah 50:4-7 — This reading describes someone putting up with a lot of suffering. Our tradition teaches us that these lines apply to Jesus.

Philippians 2:6-11 — In this ancient hymn to Christ, we are taught that Jesus achieved glory through suffering.

Matthew 26:14 to 27:66 — This year, the Gospel of the Passion of Jesus is the version recorded by Saint Matthew. It’s clear from it that Matthew believed the Jews were to blame for the death of the Messiah. However the Church does not hold the Jewish people of today in any way responsible for the Jesus’ death.

 

The General Intercessions

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayer to God, our strength, who makes haste to help us.

 

Intercessions (announced by the deacon, minister or member of the Faithful)

  1. For the Church of God throughout the world, that all Christians may celebrate these holy days with deep faith. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  2. For the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters, that they may continue to grow in faithfulness to the covenant. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  3. For the city of Jerusalem, where many faiths meet, that it may be a place of forgiveness and reconciliation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  4. For those who suffer torture and humiliation, that the sufferings of Christ, and his glory, may bring them hope. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  5. For all those who gone before us in faith (especially N and N), that they may journey through the valley of death to resurrection. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  6. For our own needs, which we remember in silence… (Long pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of compassion, in the death and resurrection of Jesus you show your love for us: Hear and grant our petitions, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Other Liturgical Suggestions

The Blessing of palms precedes the main Mass: texts given in Roman Missal, page 123: Penitential Rite is then omitted. (At other Masses: Penitential Rite c-v. No Gloria.) All Masses: All stand for the Gospel (full form recommended). The homily is brief. Preface 19 (Palm Sunday). Eucharistic Prayer 2. Solemn Blessing 5 (The Passion of the Lord).

 

Songs

‘Hail Redeemer, King Divine’, ‘Jesus Remember Me’ (Taizé), ‘Benedictus qui venit.’

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