Holy Week, the final and most sacred week of Lent, is a profound and transformative journey in our lives. It invites us to walk with Christ through His Passion, Death, and, ultimately, Resurrection. Beginning on Palm Sunday and culminating with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, this sacred week, especially during this jubilee year, calls us to deep introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.

As you may know, Holy Week opens with Palm Sunday, when we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As He approached the city, crowds gathered to greet Him, waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). Palms were blessed and distributed during the liturgy, symbolizing both victory and kingship.

However, Palm Sunday is more than a mere celebration. The same liturgy also includes the Passion narrative, shifting our focus to Christ’s impending suffering. It is a powerful reminder that the road to glory passes through the cross. As we wave our palms and sing hosannas, we’re also invited to ponder the cost of redemption and prepare our hearts for what lies ahead.

One may reflect on: Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–40 and John 12:12–19.

Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday are Days of Preparation and Tension

The days between Palm Sunday and the Triduum, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday, are often quieter regarding liturgical celebrations, but they are rich in spiritual meaning. These are days of silent preparation, where we grow increasingly aware of the tension in the Gospel narrative and are called to reflect on the inner work of the heart.

Holy Monday: Cleansing of the Temple

On Holy Monday, we recall Jesus cleansing the temple, driving out the money changers and restoring the sacred space (Matthew 21:12–17). This bold action speaks to the purification of our hearts. Just as Jesus cleansed the physical temple, He desires to cleanse our lives of distractions and impurity, enabling us to worship in truth and spirit.

Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 21:12–17, John 12:1–11 (the anointing at Bethany)

Holy Tuesday: Confrontation in the Temple

On Holy Tuesday, Jesus speaks powerfully in the temple, engaging in debates with religious leaders and warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 21:23–27, 22:15–46). His words challenge us to examine our lives our attitudes, behaviors, and relationship with God. Are we living according to His truth, or do we, like the Pharisees, stand in judgment of others while neglecting our own hearts? Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 21:23–27, 22:15–46 and John 12:20–36

Holy Wednesday: Spy Wednesday

Holy Wednesday is traditionally known as Spy Wednesday. It marks the day when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, agreeing to hand Him over for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16). This act of betrayal is a sobering reminder of the potential for betrayal within every human heart. It calls us to humility, vigilance, and self-reflection in our walk with Christ. Are we following Him faithfully, or have we allowed the lure of worldly gain to lead us astray? Scripture to reflect on: Matthew 26:14–16 Luke 22:1–6

A Time to Look Within

As we move through these first days of Holy Week, we are called to slow down and look inward. This journey is not just a historical re-telling of events—it is deeply personal. We must ask ourselves: Are we ready to let Christ cleanse the temple of our hearts? Are we prepared to sit in the tension of His Passion story and allow it to shape our lives?

This sacred time is not merely about remembering what Jesus did—it’s about joining Him on the road to the Cross. Through prayer, Scripture, silence, and the sacraments, we are invited to be transformed.

Having known what makes each day special, let this week not pass us by as a mere routine observance. Let it be a true journey of introspection, a pilgrimage of the heart. When we arrive at Easter morning, may we rise with Christ in the fullness of joy and new life.

Reflection Question:

How are we going to prepare our hearts this Holy Week? What steps can we take to make this journey more meaningful, so that we can experience the transforming power of Christ’s Resurrection?

As we gather to celebrate Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the profound significance of welcoming a king into our lives. In many African traditions, kings are not merely rulers but symbols of hope, unity, and guidance. Their arrival is met with great joy, as communities come together to honor their presence, recognizing them as bearers of blessings and protectors of their people. People go to offer them gifts as a way to honor them.

Photo Credit: Tooro Kingdom

In the Psalms, we find a parallel in the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, as foretold in Psalm 118:26:

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

This prophecy comes to life as Jesus rides into Jerusalem, greeted by crowds waving palm branches and shouting praises. It is a moment of great expectation, a moment when hearts are opened to welcome the King of Kings. What does this mean to you and me? Are we humble enough? Are our hearts ready to welcome the King of Kings?

As we reflect on this day, also called Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the most sacred. Let us draw inspiration from both our African heritage and the sacred scriptures. Just as the people of Jerusalem laid down their cloaks and waved palm branches, we too are called to prepare our hearts for the King. In our lives, we often encounter challenges and uncertainties that can cloud our vision, but we are reminded that Jesus comes to offer us peace and hope. Today, what do we see in Jerusalem, the city of God? Is it hope? Is it Unity? Or?

Consider the stories of African kings who have led their people through trials and tribulations. They are revered not just for their authority, but for their compassion and wisdom. Similarly, practically, Jesus, in His humility, shows us that true kingship lies not in power but in love and service. He enters our hearts not to conquer, but to heal and redeem.

Photo Credit: Vatican News 13, April 2025

As we reflect on this Palm Sunday, let us challenge ourselves: Are our hearts open to welcome the King? Are we ready to lay down our burdens, our pride, and our fears at His feet? In the gospel of today, it was read to us that “the chief priest and the scribes treated him with contempt and mocked him; then, clothing him in gorgeous apparel, …Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they have been at enmity with each other. We see today many Countries and people who are not necessarily friends uniting to put the innocent on trail and suffering may the example Christ having gone through this make us each day to remember these words “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people and after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him; Just as the crowds shouted, on Palm Sunday “Hosanna!” let us raise our voices in joy and surrender, inviting Jesus to reign in our lives.

PhotCredit: Munyoyo Shrine

May we embrace this opportunity to welcome Him fully, allowing His presence to transform us from within. Let us remember that welcoming the King is not a one-time event, but a daily commitment to live in His light, to serve others, and to share the love He has so graciously bestowed upon us. Also, reflect on the Holy Father’s message read during the homily for the celebration marking Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. Pope Francis invited us to reflect on the Lord’s compassion that knows no limits,

“How we are meant to carry our own cross during this Holy Week.”

This Palm Sunday, let us open wide the gates of our hearts, proclaiming with all creation: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” As we do so, may we experience the joy and peace that comes from welcoming the King into our lives.

Br. Adolf

Have you ever wondered why Catholics celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14th? Let us first reflect on the historical facts where in the 14th century, Saint Helena found the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.

In the year 614, the Persians took it as a war trophy. Emperor Heraclius recovered it and brought it back to Jerusalem on September 14, 628.

The wood was divided into parts, sending fragments to Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem.

Splinters were distributed to churches all over the world, known as the “relics of the true Cross”.

Photo Credit: Passionist Nuns

The tradition of this day holds great significance in the Catholic Church, symbolizing the triumph of the Cross as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Throughout history, the Cross has been a powerful symbol, reminding us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the promise of salvation attained by the Cross the ONLY symbol of Hope among the Holy Cross Congregation International religious in our Spirituality “Ave Crux Spes Unica!” Hail the Cross our Only Hope. Handed to us by our founder Blessed Basil Moreau.

The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is a time for all of us to reflect on the central tenet of our faith: the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and life over death. The Cross serves as a reminder of the love that God has for humanity, willing to sacrifice His only Son for the forgiveness of sins.

We know for centuries, the Cross has been a symbol of hope and strength for believers around the world. It represents the ultimate act of love and selflessness, inspiring countless individuals to live a life of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others. The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross reminds us of this profound message, calling on Catholics and people of goodwill to emulate the example set by Christ.

In a world filled with challenges, conflicts, and uncertainties, the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is more relevant than ever. It serves as a beacon of hope in times of darkness, a source of strength in moments of weakness, and a reminder of the power of faith and redemption. As we come together to celebrate this important feast, we are reminded of the enduring message of the Cross: love conquers all.

The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross holds a special place in the hearts of many Christians around the world. It is a time to reflect on the profound significance of the Cross as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption. As we commemorate this important feast, let us remember the enduring message of the Cross may each one of us strive to live their lives in accordance with its teachings. May we embrace the love, hope, and forgiveness that the Cross represents, and let it guide us in our journey toward a life filled with hope, joy, and peace.

The song “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” holds deep meaning and significance of the Cross for me. It reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and the profound impact it has on believers. The lyrics of course invite us to contemplate the amazing love and grace displayed through Christ’s crucifixion on the Cross, emphasizing the power of the Cross as a symbol of redemption, salvation and hope.

It also invites us to reflect on our own lives in light of Christ’s sacrifice, prompting us to consider the depth of God’s love and the magnitude of His forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of the central tenets of Christianity – love, sacrifice, and faith – and invites us to respond with gratitude, humility, and devotion.

Through its poignant lyrics and moving melody, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is one song that draws us to meditate on the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection. It encourages a deep sense of introspection, repentance, and renewal, leading us to a deeper appreciation of God’s mercy and grace.

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” for me serves as a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, and reverence toward the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. It continues to resonate with us across generations, inspiring those who value its message to embrace the Cross and live a life guided by love, hope, and faith.