He was born in Ireland, became a monk on Iona, and was ordained priest in Rome by St Gregory the Great. He was active in promoting harmony between the Celtic and Roman churches on the date on which Easter should be celebrated.
Collect
Remember your mercies, O Lord, and with your eternal protection sanctify your servants, for whom Christ your Son, by the shedding of his Blood, established the Paschal Mystery. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 52:13-53:12
See, my servant will prosper, he shall be lifted up, exalted, rise to great heights. As the crowds were appalled on seeing him – so disfigured did he look that he seemed no longer human – so will the crowds be astonished at him, and kings stand speechless before him; for they shall see something never told and witness something never heard before: ‘Who could believe what we have heard, and to whom has the power of the Lord been revealed?’ Like a sapling he grew up in front of us, like a root in arid ground. Without beauty, without majesty we saw him, no looks to attract our eyes; a thing despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering, a man to make people screen their faces; he was despised and we took no account of him. And yet ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrows he carried. But we, we thought of him as someone punished, struck by God, and brought low. Yet he was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins. On him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through his wounds we are healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each taking his own way, and the Lord burdened him with the sins of all of us. Harshly dealt with, he bore it humbly, he never opened his mouth, like a lamb that is led to the slaughter-house, like a sheep that is dumb before its shearers never opening its mouth. By force and by law he was taken; would anyone plead his cause? Yes, he was torn away from the land of the living; for our faults struck down in death. They gave him a grave with the wicked, a tomb with the rich, though he had done no wrong and there had been no perjury in his mouth. The Lord has been pleased to crush him with suffering. If he offers his life in atonement, he shall see his heirs, he shall have a long life and through him what the Lord wishes will be done. His soul’s anguish over he shall see the light and be content. By his sufferings shall my servant justify many, taking their faults on himself. Hence I will grant whole hordes for his tribute, he shall divide the spoil with the mighty, for surrendering himself to death and letting himself be taken for a sinner, while he was bearing the faults of many and praying all the time for sinners.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30:2,6,12-13,15-17,25
R/ Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, Into your hands I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me, Lord.
In the face of all my foes I am a reproach, an object of scorn to my neighbours and of fear to my friends.
Those who see me in the street run far away from me. I am like a dead man, forgotten, like a thing thrown away.
But as for me, I trust in you, Lord; I say: ‘You are my God. My life is in your hands, deliver me from the hands of those who hate me.
Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your love. Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.
Second reading: Hebrews 4:14-16,5:7-9
Since in Jesus, the Son of God, we have the supreme high priest who has gone through to the highest heaven, we must never let go of the faith that we have professed. For it is not as if we had a high priest who was incapable of feeling our weaknesses with us; but we have one who has been tempted in every way that we are, though he is without sin. Let us be confident, then, in approaching the throne of grace, that we shall have mercy from him and find grace when we are in need of help. During his life on earth, he offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.
Gospel Acclamation : Phil 2:8-9
Glory and praise to you, O Christ! Christ was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all names. Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
Gospel : John 18:1-19:42
Key: N. Narrator. Jesus. O. Ot
her single speaker. C. Crowd, or more than one speaker.
N. Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kedron valley. There was a garden there, and he went into it with his disciples. Judas the traitor knew the place well, since Jesus had often met his disciples there, and he brought the cohort to this place together with a detachment of guards sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees, all with lanterns and torches and weapons. Knowing everything that was going to happen to him, Jesus then came forward and said, Who are you looking for? N. They answered, Jesus the Nazarene. N. He said, I am he. N. Now Judas the traitor was standing among them. When Jesus said, ‘I am he’, they moved back and fell to the ground. He asked them a second time, Who are you looking for? N. They said, Jesus the Nazarene. N. Jesus replied, I have told you that I am he. If I am the one you are looking for, let these others go. N. This was to fulfil the words he had spoken, ‘Not one of those you gave me have I lost.’ Simon Peter, who carried a sword, drew it and wounded the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, Put your sword back in its scabbard; am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me? N. The cohort and its captain and the Jewish guards seized Jesus and bound him. They took him first to Annas, because Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had suggested to the Jews, ‘It is better for one man to die for the people.’ Simon Peter, with another disciple, followed Jesus. This disciple, who was known to the high priest, went with Jesus into the high priest’s palace, but Peter stayed outside the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who was keeping the door and brought Peter in. The maid on duty at the door said to Peter, O. Aren’t you another of that man’s disciples? N. He answered, O. I am not. N. Now it was cold, and the servants and guards had lit a charcoal fire and were standing there warming themselves; so Peter stood there too, warming himself with the others. The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered, I have spoken openly for all the world to hear; I have always taught in the synagogue and in the Temple where all the Jews meet together: I have said nothing in secret. But why ask me? Ask my hearers what I taught: they know what I said. N. At these words, one of the guards standing by gave Jesus a slap in the face, saying, O. Is that the way to answer the high priest? N. Jesus replied, If there is something wrong in what I said, point it out; but if there is no offence in it, why do you strike me? N. Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest. As Simon Peter stood there warming himself, someone said to him, O. Aren’t you another of his disciples? N. He denied it, saying, O. I am not. N. One of the high priest’s servants, a relation of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, O. Didn’t I see you in the garden with him? N. Again Peter denied it; and at once a cock crew. They then led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was now morning. They did not go into the Praetorium themselves or they would be defiled and unable to eat the passover. So Pilate came outside to them and said, O. What charge do you bring against this man? N. They replied, If he were not a criminal, we should not be handing him over to you. N. Pilate said, O. Take him yourselves, and try him by your own Law. N. The Jews answered,
We are not allowed to put a man to death. N. This was to fulfil the words Jesus had spoken indicating the way he was going to die. So Pilate went back into the Praetorium and called Jesus to him, and asked, O. Are you the king of the Jews? N. Jesus replied, Do you ask this of your own accord, or have others spoken to you about me? N. Pilate answered, O. Am I a Jew? It is your own people and the chief priests who have handed you over to me: what have you done? N. Jesus replied, Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this kind. N. Pilate said, O. So you are a king, then? N. Jesus answered, It is you who say it. Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice. N. Pilate said, O.Truth? What is that? N. and with that he went out again to the Jews and said, O. I find no case against him. But according to a custom of yours I should release one prisoner at the Passover; would you like me, then, to release the king of the Jews? N. At this they shouted: Not this man, but Barabbas. N. Barabbas was a brigand. Pilate then had Jesus taken away and scourged; and after this, the soldiers twisted some thorns into a crown and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him and saying, Hail, king of the Jews! N. and they slapped him in the face. Pilate came outside again and said to them, O. Look, I am going to bring him out to you to let you see that I find no case. N. Jesus then came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, O. Here is the man. N. When they saw him the chief priests and the guards shouted, Crucify him! Crucify him! N. Pilate said, O. Take him yourselves and crucify him: I can find no case against him. N. The Jews replied, We have a Law, and according to that Law he ought to die, because he has claimed to be the Son of God. N. When Pilate heard them say this his fears increased. Re-entering the Praetorium, he said to Jesus O. Where do you come from? N. But Jesus made no answer. Pilate then said to him, O. Are you refusing to speak to me? Surely you know I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you? N. Jesus replied, You would have no power over me if it had not been given you from above; that is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater guilt. N. From that moment Pilate was anxious to set him free, but the Jews shouted, If you set him free you are no friend of Caesar’s; anyone who makes himself king is defying Caesar. N. Hearing these words, Pilate had Jesus brought out, and seated himself on the chair of judgement at a place called the Pavement, in Hebrew Gabbatha. It was Passover Preparation Day, about the sixth hour. Pilate said to the Jews, O. Here is your king. N. They said, Take him away, take him away! Crucify him! N. Pilate said, O. Do you want me to crucify your king? N. The chief priests answered, We have no king except Caesar. N. So in the end Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. They then took charge of Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out of the city to the place of the skull or, as it was called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified him with two others, one on either side with Jesus in the middle. Pilate wrote out a notice and had it fixed to the cross; it ran: ‘Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews.’ This notice was read by many of the Jews, because the place where Jesus was crucified was not far from the city, and the writing was in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. So the Jewish chief priests said to Pilate, You should not write ‘King of the Jews,’ but ‘This man said: “I am King of the Jews.”’ N. Pilate answered, O. What I have written, I have written. N. When the soldiers had finished crucifying Jesus they took his clothing and divided it into four shares, one for each soldier. His undergarment was seamless, woven in one piece from neck to hem; so they said to one another, Instead of tearing it, let’s throw dice to decide who is to have it. N. In this way the words of scripture were fulfilled: They shared out my clothing among them. They cast lots for my clothes. This is exactly what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, Woman, this is your son. N. Then to the disciple he said, This is your mother. N. And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home. After this, Jesus knew that everything had now been completed, and to fulfil the scripture perfectly he said: I am thirsty. N. A jar full of vinegar stood there, so putting a sponge soaked in the vinegar on a hyssop stick they held it up to his mouth. After Jesus had taken the vinegar he said, It is accomplished; N. and bowing his head he gave up his spirit.
Prayer after Communion
Almighty ever-living God, who have restored us to life by the blessed Death and Resurrection of your Christ, preserve in us the work of your mercy, that, by partaking of this mystery, we may have a life unceasingly devoted to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
May abundant blessing, O Lord, we pray, descend upon your people, who have honoured the Death of your Son in the hope of their resurrection: may pardon come, comfort be given, holy faith increase, and everlasting redemption be made secure. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus has conquered sin and death by shedding His blood on the cross, reconciling a broken world with the Father. As Jesus hangs on the cross, a multitude of questions swirl through the minds of His followers: Is He truly the Messiah? Has evil conquered goodness? Have we wasted our time following a falsehood? Will He resurrect as He foretold? The sight of Him being crucified raises doubts about His divinity, causing concern about the fate of His followers. For the soldiers, their assignment is complete, and they rightfully claim the belongings of the crucified man. The Jewish leaders view the blasphemer as eradicated, anticipating a return to business as usual. Passers-by witness the conclusion of another drama, speculating whether Elijah will come to set Him free. The whole world stands in silence, waiting and watching. Yet, it does not seem as if God remains silent. In the midst of this apparent defeat, He knows exactly what needs to be done. The world is told to wait on the Lord. This sacrifice serves as an inspiration for us to confront resistance and forgive, just as Jesus forgives. Christ’s Passion becomes a beacon of hope for the oppressed of our society, emphasising the enduring promise of redemption and justice in society.
Anicetus was a Syrian from Emesa. He became pope about 155. He actively opposed Marcionism and Gnosticism.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Gal 6: 14
We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered.
Collect
O God, who have called us to participate in this most sacred Supper, in which your Only Begotten Son, when about to hand himself over to death, entrusted to the Church a sacrifice new for all eternity, the banquet of his love; grant, we pray, that we may draw from so great a mystery, the fullness of charity and of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Exodus 12:1-8,11-14
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: ‘This month is to be the first of all the others for you, the first month of your year. Speak to the whole community of Israel and say, “On the tenth day of this month each man must take an animal from the flock, one for each family: one animal for each household. If the household is too small to eat the animal, a man must join with his neighbour, the nearest to his house, as the number of persons requires. You must take into account what each can eat in deciding the number for the animal. It must be an animal without blemish, a male one year old; you may take it from either sheep or goats. You must keep it till the fourteenth day of the month when the whole assembly of the community of Israel shall slaughter it between the two evenings. Some of the blood must then be taken and put on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where it is eaten. That night, the flesh is to be eaten, roasted over the fire; it must be eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. You shall eat it hastily: it is a passover in honour of the Lord. That night, I will go through the land of Egypt and strike down all the first-born in the land of Egypt, man and beast alike, and I shall deal out punishment to all the gods of Egypt, I am the Lord! The blood shall serve to mark the houses that you live in. When I see the blood I will pass over you and you shall escape the destroying plague when I strike the land of Egypt. This day is to be a day of remembrance for you, and you must celebrate it as a feast in the Lord’s honour. For all generations you are to declare it a day of festival, for ever.”’
Responsorial psalm: Psalm 115:12-13,15-18
R/ The blessing-cup that we bless is a communion with the blood of Christ.
How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise; I will call on the Lord’s name.
O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful. Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make; I will call on the Lord’s name. My vows to the Lord I will fulfil before all his people.
Second reading:1 Corinthians 11:23-26
This is what I received from the Lord, and in turn passed on to you: that on the same night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and thanked God for it and broke it, and he said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me.’ In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.’ Until the Lord comes, therefore, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his death.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn13:34
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! I give you a new commandment: love one another just as I have loved you, says the Lord. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Gospel : John 13:1-15
It was before the festival of the Passover, and Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to pass from this world to the Father. He had always loved those who were his in the world, but now he showed how perfect his love was. They were at supper, and the devil had already put it into the mind of Judas Iscariot son of Simon, to betray him. Jesus knew that the Father had put everything into his hands, and that he had come from God and was returning to God, and he got up from table, removed his outer garment and, taking a towel, wrapped it round his waist; he then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he was wearing. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘At the moment you do not know what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ‘Never!’ said Peter ‘You shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus replied, ‘If I do not wash you, you can have nothing in common with me.’ ‘Then, Lord,’ said Simon Peter ‘not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!’ Jesus said, ‘No one who has taken a bath needs washing, he is clean all over. You too are clean, though not all of you are.’ He knew who was going to betray him, that was why he said, ‘though not all of you are.’ When he had washed their feet and put on his clothes again he went back to the table. ‘Do you understand’ he said ‘what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that we may participate worthily in these mysteries, for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated, the work of our redemption is accomplished. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cor 11: 24-25
This is the Body that will be given up for you; this is the Chalice of the new covenant in my Blood, says the Lord; do this, whenever you receive it, in memory of me.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, almighty God, that, just as we are renewed by the Supper of your Son in this present age, so we may enjoy his banquet for all eternity. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Today holds great significance in the life of the Church. In the morning, we celebrate the institution of the ministerial priesthood, while the evening is dedicated to the institution of the Holy Eucharist. It is a day marked by rich traditions, including the poignant imagery of Jesus washing and wiping the feet of his disciples, including those of the man who will betray Him. This act symbolises that those who serve as God’s ministers should also incorporate service to others. Maundy Thursday, as it is often called, possibly derived from the first word of the command to love (Mandatum novum do vobis), emphasises the importance of love, humility, and service. By washing his apostles’ feet, Jesus teaches us love, humility, and service. The Holy Eucharist, celebrated on this day, is the lifeblood of our Christian life. Let us pray for God to uphold the ministers of the Church and renew our commitment to the Holy Eucharist. May this day be a reminder of the call to love, serve, and partake in the sacred traditions that bind us together as a Christian community.
She was born in 1844 to a destitute family in Lourdes, in France. On 11 February 1858 she received the first of a series of visions of the Mother of God which led to Lourdes becoming a place of pilgrimage and healing. In 1866 she became a nun at Nevers, where she died on 16 April 1879.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Phil 2: 10, 8, 11
At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend of those in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, for the Lord became obedient to death, death on a cross: therefore Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Collect
O God, who willed your Son to submit for our sake to the yoke of the Cross, so that you might drive from us the power of the enemy, grant us, your servants, to attain the grace of the resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 50:4-9
The Lord has given me a disciple’s tongue. So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech. Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple. The Lord has opened my ear. For my part, I made no resistance, neither did I turn away. I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard; I did not cover my face against insult and spittle. The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the insults. So, too, I set my face like flint; I know I shall not be shamed. My vindicator is here at hand. Does anyone start proceedings against me? Then let us go to court together. Who thinks he has a case against me? Let him approach me. The Lord is coming to my help, who will dare to condemn me?
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:8-10,21-22,31,33-34
R/ In your great love, O Lord, answer my prayers for your favour.
It is for you that I suffer taunts, that shame covers my face, that I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother’s sons. I burn with zeal for your house and taunts against you fall on me.
Taunts have broken my heart; I have reached the end of my strength. I looked in vain for compassion, for consolers; not one could I find. For food they gave me poison; in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
I will praise God’s name with a song; I will glorify him with thanksgiving. The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive; for the Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains.
Gospel Acclamation
Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God! Hail to you, our King! Obedient to the Father, you were led to your crucifixion as a meek lamb is led to the slaughter. Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Gospel : Matthew 26:14-25
One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over to you?’ They paid him thirty silver pieces, and from that moment he looked for an opportunity to betray him. Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus to say, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the passover?’ ‘Go to so-and-so in the city’ he replied ‘and say to him, “The Master says: My time is near. It is at your house that I am keeping Passover with my disciples.”’ The disciples did what Jesus told them and prepared the Passover. When evening came he was at table with the twelve disciples. And while they were eating he said ‘I tell you solemnly, one of you is about to betray me’ They were greatly distressed and started asking him in turn, ‘Not I, Lord, surely?’ He answered, ‘Someone who has dipped his hand into the dish with me, will betray me. The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the Scriptures say he will, but alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!’ Judas, who was to betray him; asked in his turn, ‘Not I, Rabbi, surely?’ ‘They are your own words’ answered Jesus.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, we pray, the offerings made here, graciously grant that, celebrating your Son’s Passion in mystery, we may experience the grace of its effects. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Mt 20: 28
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Prayer after Communion
Endow us, almighty God, with the firm conviction that through your Son’s Death in time, to which the revered mysteries bear witness, we may be assured of perpetual life. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Grant your faithful, O Lord, we pray, to partake unceasingly of the paschal mysteries and to await with longing, the gifts to come, that, persevering in the Sacraments of their rebirth, they may be led by Lenten works to newness of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
The name Judas is immediately associated with betrayal, prompting contemplation on the darkness that can lurk even within the closest circles. Judas agrees to betray his master for thirty pieces of silver, showcasing a willingness to exchange the priceless for the mundane and the sacred for the temporal. Judas’ act was not a sudden betrayal but a gradual culmination of darkness slowly taking root within him—a poignant reminder to be vigilant against the subtle temptations that can lead us astray from God’s path. While we may distance ourselves, saying, “Thank God I am not like Judas,” it seems essential to reflect on how often we, like Judas, compromise our values for fleeting gains. In our pursuit of various forms of silver, do we inadvertently betray the precious gift of our faith? Let us reflect on the price of our betrayals—moments when we choose the allure of silver over the enduring riches of God’s grace. May we choose loyalty and service, rejecting the allure of betrayal, and walk as true disciples towards the light of Easter.
He is the first saint of the 5th century. He followed his father’s path by becoming a hermit in Wales. He was known for his preaching, charity and mortifications.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 26: 12
Do not leave me to the will of my foes, O Lord, for false witnesses rise up against me and they breathe out violence.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, grant us so to celebrate the mysteries of the Lord’s Passion that we may merit to receive your pardon. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 49:1-6
Islands, listen to me, pay attention, remotest peoples. The Lord called me before I was born, from my mother’s womb he pronounced my name. He made my mouth a sharp sword, and hid me in the shadow of his hand. He made me into a sharpened arrow, and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, ‘You are my servant (Israel) in whom I shall be glorified’; while I was thinking, ‘I have toiled in vain, I have exhausted myself for nothing’; and all the while my cause was with the Lord, my reward with my God. I was honoured in the eyes of the Lord, my God was my strength. And now the Lord has spoken, he who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, to gather Israel to him: ‘It is not enough for you to be my servant, to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back the survivors of Israel; I will make you the light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’
Responsable Psalm: Psalm 70:1-6,15,17
R/ My lips will tell of your help.
In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, free me: pay heed to me and save me.
Be a rock where I can take refuge, a mighty stronghold to save me; for you are my rock, my stronghold. Free me from the hand of the wicked.
It is you, O Lord, who are my hope, my trust, O Lord, since my youth. On you I have leaned from my birth, from my mother’s womb you have been my help.
My lips will tell of your justice and day by day of your help. O God, you have taught me from my youth and I proclaim your wonders still.
Gospel Acclamation
Glory and praise to you, O Christ! Hail to you, our King! Obedient to the Father, you were led to your crucifixion as a meek lamb is led to the slaughter. Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
Gospel : John 13:21-33,36-38
While at supper with his disciples, Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, ‘I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, wondering which he meant. The disciple Jesus loved was reclining next to Jesus; Simon Peter signed to him and said, ‘Ask who it is he means’, so leaning back on Jesus’ breast he said, ‘Who is it, Lord?’ ‘It is the one’ replied Jesus ‘to whom I give the piece of bread that I shall dip in the dish.’ He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. At that instant, after Judas had taken the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus then said, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’ None of the others at table understood the reason he said this. Since Judas had charge of the common fund, some of them thought Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’, or telling him to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the piece of bread he went out. Night had fallen. When he had gone Jesus said: ‘Now has the Son of Man been glorified, and in him God has been glorified. If God has been glorified in him, God will in turn glorify him in himself, and will glorify him very soon. ‘My little children, I shall not be with you much longer. You will look for me, And, as I told the Jews, where I am going, you cannot come.’ Simon Peter said, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus replied, ‘Where I am going you cannot follow me now; you will follow me later.’ Peter said to him, ‘Why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ ‘Lay down your life for me?’ answered Jesus. ‘I tell you most solemnly, before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look favourably, O Lord, we pray, on these offerings of your family, and to those you make partakers of these sacred gifts grant a share in their fullness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Rm 8: 32
God did not spare his own Son, but handed him over for us all.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished by your saving gifts, we beseech your mercy, Lord, that by this same Sacrament, with which you have fed us in the present age, you may make us partakers of life eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
May your mercy, O God, cleanse the people that are subject to you from all seduction of former ways and make them capable of new holiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
During the intimate Passover meal with his chosen twelve, Jesus’ words shatter the air: “I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.” On the one hand, Judas’ betrayal serves as a stark reminder that even in the most sacred spaces, darkness can creep in. It speaks to the human capacity for deception and the ongoing struggle between good and evil within ourselves. It prompts us to reflect: have we ever betrayed someone’s trust, even in a small way? Do we recognise the potential for betrayal within our hearts? In contrast to Judas, the other disciples, though confused and troubled, choose to remain with Jesus. Their presence serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves staying close to Christ, even in moments of uncertainty. This prompts us to consider: are we willing to stand by Jesus, even when it is a difficult or unpopular thing to do? Lent offers us a sacred time to evaluate our discipleship. It is an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus, allowing His teachings and example to shape our lives and guide us in navigating the complexities of our human nature.
Saint Lydwine is the patroness of sickness. She was born in Holland. She experienced mystical gifts, including supernatural visions of heaven, hell, purgatory, apparitions of Christ, and the stigmata. She was canonized Pope Leo XIII in 1890.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 34: 1-2; 139: 8
Contend, O Lord, with my contenders; fight those who fight me. Take up your buckler and shield; arise in my defence, Lord, my mighty help.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, though in our weakness we fail, we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 42:1-7
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed until true justice is established on earth, for the islands are awaiting his law. Thus says God, the Lord, he who created the heavens and spread them out, who gave shape to the earth and what comes from it, who gave breath to its people and life to the creatures that move in it: ‘I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, ‘to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.’
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 26:1-3,13-14
R/ The Lord is my light and my help.
The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink?
When evil-doers draw near to devour my flesh, it is they, my enemies and foes, who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart would not fear. Though war break out against me, even then would I trust.
I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!
Gospel Acclamation
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! Hail to you, our King! You alone have had compassion on our sins. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Gospel : John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom he had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there; Martha waited on them and Lazarus was among those at table. Mary brought in a pound of very costly ointment, pure nard, and with it anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair; the house was full of the scent of the ointment. Then Judas Iscariot – one of his disciples, the man who was to betray him – said, ‘Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor?’ He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he was in charge of the common fund and used to help himself to the contributions. So Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone; she had to keep this scent for the day of my burial. You have the poor with you always, you will not always have me.’ Meanwhile a large number of Jews heard that he was there and came not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. Then the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus as well, since it was on his account that many of the Jews were leaving them and believing in Jesus.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look graciously, O Lord, upon the sacred mysteries we celebrate here, and may what you have mercifully provided to cancel the judgement we incurred, bear for us fruit in eternal life. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 101: 3
Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear towards me; on the day when I call, speedily answer me.
Prayer after Communion
Visit your people, O Lord, we pray, and with ever-watchful love, look upon the hearts dedicated to you by means of these sacred mysteries, so that under your protection, we may keep safe this remedy of eternal salvation, which by your mercy we have received. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
May your protection, O Lord, we pray, defend the humble and keep ever safe those who trust in your mercy, that they may celebrate the paschal festivities not only with bodily observance but above all with purity of mind. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
The woman’s act of anointing the Lord with costly perfume is a profound expression of her love and understanding of Jesus’ imminent sacrifice. Choosing the most expensive gift available, she goes beyond mere luxury. The perfume she pours out becomes a symbol of her heart, devotion, and recognition of Jesus’ divinity and the purpose of His earthly journey. Her gesture stands as an extravagant act of love poured out at Jesus’ feet. Through his actions, Jesus exemplifies the depth of God’s love for His people. He shows kindness to children, strangers, and even sinners, demonstrating his mission to save. By accepting the woman’s costly gift, Jesus reveals God’s love for rebels, emphasising the extraordinary nature of His love. Mary’s action foreshadows how Jesus’ body will be anointed in the tomb. The scent filling the house symbolises the spreading of the good news to people of all ages, illustrating that, just as the smell permeates the space, Jesus’ body cannot be confined in a tomb. It becomes a powerful symbol of the transformative and liberating impact of Jesus’ resurrection.
Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat; untie it and bring it here. If any one asks you, “Why are you untying it?” you shall say this, “The Lord has need of it.”’ So those who were sent went away and found it as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ And they said, ‘The Lord has need of it.’ And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. As he was drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.’
Six days before the Passover, when the Lord came into the city of Jerusalem, the children ran to meet him; in their hands they carried palm branches and with a loud voice cried out: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy! O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory! Who is this king of glory? He, the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow caused our Saviour to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
The Lord has given me a disciple’s tongue. So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech. Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple. The Lord has opened my ear. For my part, I made no resistance, neither did I turn away. I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard; I did not cover my face against insult and spittle. The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the insults. So, too, I set my face like flint; I know I shall not be shamed.
Responsaorial Psalm: Psalm 21:8-9,17-20,23-24
R/ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
All who see me deride me. They curl their lips, they toss their heads. ‘He trusted in the Lord, let him save him; let him release him if this is his friend.’
Many dogs have surrounded me, a band of the wicked beset me. They tear holes in my hands and my feet, I can count every one of my bones.
They divide my clothing among them. They cast lots for my robe. O Lord, do not leave me alone, my strength, make haste to help me!
I will tell of your name to my brethren and praise you where they are assembled. ‘You who fear the Lord give him praise; all sons of Jacob, give him glory. Revere him, Israel’s sons.
Second reading: Philippians 2:6-11
His state was divine, yet Christ Jesus did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Gospel Acclamation: Phil 2:8-9
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! Christ was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all names. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Gospel : Luke 22:14-23:56
Key: N.Narrator.Jesus. O.Other single speaker. C. Crowd, or more than one speaker.
N. When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, I have longed to eat this passover with you before I suffer; because, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. N. Then, taking a cup, he gave thanks and said, Take this and share it among you, because from now on, I tell you, I shall not drink wine until the kingdom of God comes. N. Then he took some bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it and gave it to them, saying, This is my body which will be given for you; do this as a memorial of me. N. He did the same with the cup after supper, and said, This cup is the new covenant in my blood which will be poured out for you. And yet, here with me on the table is the hand of the man who betrays me. The Son of Man does indeed go to his fate even as it has been decreed, but alas for that man by whom he is betrayed! N. And they began to ask one another which of them it could be who was to do this thing. A dispute arose also between them about which should be reckoned the greatest, but he said to them, Among pagans it is the kings who lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are given the title Benefactor. This must not happen with you. No; the greatest among you must behave as if he were the youngest, the leader as if he were the one who serves. For who is the greater: the one at table or the one who serves? The one at table, surely? Yet here am I among you as one who serves! You are the men who have stood by me faithfully in my trials; and now I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father conferred one on me: you will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Simon, Simon! Satan, you must know, has got his wish to sift you all like wheat; but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail, and once you have recovered, you in your turn must strengthen your brothers. N. He answered, O. Lord, I would be ready to go to prison with you, and to death. N. Jesus replied, I tell you, Peter, by the time the cock crows today you will have denied three times that you know me. N. He said to them, When I sent you out without purse or haversack or sandals, were you short of anything? N. They answered, C. No. N. He said to them, But now if you have a purse, take it; if you have a haversack, do the same; if you have no sword, sell your cloak and buy one, because I tell you these words of scripture have to be fulfilled in me: He let himself be taken for a criminal. Yes, what scripture says about me is even now reaching its fulfilment. N. They said, C. Lord, there are two swords here now. N. He said to them, That is enough! N. He then left to make his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, with the disciples following. When they reached the place he said to them, Pray not to be put to the test. N. Then he withdrew from them, about a stone’s throw away, and knelt down and prayed, saying, Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine. N. Then an angel appeared to him, coming from heaven to give him strength. In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. When he rose from prayer he went to the disciples and found them sleeping for sheer grief. He said to them, Why are you asleep? Get up and pray not to be put to the test. N. He was still speaking when a number of men appeared, and at the head of them the man called Judas, one of the Twelve, who went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said, Judas, are you betraying the son of Man with a kiss? N. His followers, seeing what was happening, said, C. Lord, shall we use our swords? N. And one of them struck out at the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. But at this Jesus spoke: Leave off! That will do! N. And touching the man’s ear he healed him. Then Jesus spoke to the chief priests and captains of the Temple guard and elders who had come for him. He said, Am I a brigand, that you had to set out with swords and clubs? When I was among you in the Temple day after day you never moved to lay hands on me. But this is your hour; this is the reign of darkness. N. They seized him then and led him away, and they took him to the high priest’s house. Peter followed at a distance. They had lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and Peter sat down among them, and as he was sitting there by the blaze a servant-girl saw him, peered at him, and said, O. This person was with him too. N. But he denied it. O. Woman, I do not know him. N. Shortly afterwards someone else saw him and said, O. You are another of them. N. But Peter replied, O. I am not, my friend. N. About an hour later another man insisted, saying, O. This fellow was certainly with him. Why, he is a Galilean. N. Peter said, O. My friend, I do not know what you are talking about. N. At that instant, while he was still speaking, the cock crew, and the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered what the Lord had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will have disowned me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly. Meanwhile the men who guarded Jesus were mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying, C. Play the prophet. Who hit you then? N. And they continued heaping insults on him. When day broke there was a meeting of the elders of the people, attended by the chief priests and scribes. He was brought before their council, and they said to him, C. If you are the Christ, tell us. N. He replied, If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God. N. Then they all said, C. So you are the Son of God then? N. He answered: It is you who say I am. N. They said, C. What need of witnesses have we now? We have heard it for ourselves from his own lips. N. The whole assembly then rose, and they brought him before Pilate. They began their accusation by saying, C. We found this man inciting our people to revolt, opposing payment of the tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king. N. Pilate put to him this question: O. Are you the king of the Jews? N. He replied, It is you who say it. N. Pilate then said to the chief priests and the crowd, O. I find no case against this man. N. But they persisted, C. He is inflaming the people with his teaching all over Judaea; it has come all the way from Galilee, where he started, down to here. N. When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man were a Galilean; and finding that he came under Herod’s jurisdiction he passed him over to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. Herod was delighted to see Jesus; he had heard about him and had been wanting for a long time to set eyes on him; moreover, he was hoping to see some miracle worked by him. So he questioned him at some length; but without getting any reply. Meanwhile the chief priests and the scribes were there, violently pressing their accusations. Then Herod, together with his guards, treated him with contempt and made fun of him; he put a rich cloak on him and sent him back to Pilate. And though Herod and Pilate had been enemies before, they were reconciled that same day. Pilate then summoned the chief priests and the leading men and the people. He said, O. You brought this man before me as a political agitator. Now I have gone into the matter myself in your presence and found no case against the man in respect of all the charges you bring against him. Nor has Herod either, since he has sent him back to us. As you can see, the man has done nothing that deserves death, So I shall have him flogged and then let him go. N. But as one man they howled, C. Away with him! Give us Barabbas! N. (This man had been thrown into prison for causing a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilate was anxious to set Jesus free and addressed them again, but they shouted back, C. Crucify him! Crucify him! N. And for the third time he spoke to them, O. Why? What harm has this man done? I have found no case against him that deserves death, so I shall have him punished and then let him go. N. But they kept on shouting at the top of their voices, demanding that he should be crucified. And their shouts were growing louder. Pilate then gave his verdict: their demand was to be granted. He released the man they asked for, who had been imprisoned for rioting and murder, and handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they pleased. As they were leading him away they seized on a man, Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and made him shoulder the cross and carry it behind Jesus. Large numbers of people followed him, and of women too, who mourned and lamented for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children. For the days will surely come when people will say, ‘Happy are those who are barren, the wombs that have never borne, the breasts that have never suckled!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’; to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if men use the green wood like this, what will happen when it is dry? N. Now with him they were also leading out two other criminals to be executed. When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified him there and the two criminals also, one on the right, the other on the left. Jesus said, Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing. N. Then they cast lots to share out his clothing. The people stayed there watching him. As for the leaders, they jeered at him, saying, C. He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One. N. The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, C. If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself. N. Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals hanging there abused him, saying, O. Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well. N. But the other spoke up and rebuked him: O. Have you no fear of God at all? You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. N. He replied, Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise. N. It was now about the sixth hour and, with the sun eclipsed, a darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The veil of the Temple was torn right down the middle; and when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice, he said, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. N. With these words he breathed his last. All kneel and pause a moment When the centurion saw what had taken place, he gave praise to God and said, O. This was a great and good man. N. And when all the people who had gathered for the spectacle saw what had happened, they went home beating their breasts. All his friends stood at a distance; so also did the women who had accompanied him from Galilee, and they saw all this happen. Then a member of the council arrived, an upright and virtuous man named Joseph. He had not consented to what the others had planned and carried out. He came from Arimathaea, a Jewish town, and he lived in the hope of seeing the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He then took it down, wrapped it in a shroud and put him in a tomb which was hewn in stone in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day and the sabbath was imminent. Meanwhile the women who had come from Galilee with Jesus were following behind. They took note of the tomb and of the position of the body. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. And on the sabbath day they rested, as the Law required.
Prayer over the Offerings
Through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son, O Lord, may our reconciliation with you be near at hand, so that, though we do not merit it by our own deeds, yet by this sacrifice made once for all, we may feel already the effects of your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Mt 26: 42
Father, if this chalice cannot pass without my drinking it, your will be done.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished with these sacred gifts, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, just as through the death of your Son you have brought us to hope for what we believe, so by his Resurrection you may lead us to where you call. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Look, we pray, O Lord, on this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to be delivered into the hands of the wicked and submit to the agony of the Cross. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Palm Sunday is often referred to as the paradox Sunday, where triumph blends with suffering. Palm Sunday opens with a paradox as we joyously wave palms and shout Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord! We celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. However, this day sets the stage for Christ’s suffering and death. On Palm Sunday, the people of Jerusalem spread their clothes for Jesus to ride on; later, these same people strip him of his garment. They welcome Him, calling him their King, but later they want him gone as they clamour for a brigand to be released in His place: “Give us Barabbas.” The crowd hails Jesus as King, yet they do not understand the true nature of His kingdom. Jesus’ reign is not built on earthly power but on love, sacrifice, and service. Our Christian lives may not conform to worldly expectations and true victory in Christ often comes through suffering and humility. Palm Sunday calls us to reflect on the paradoxes of our faith, to celebrate Christ’s kingship while embracing His humility, acknowledge our shortcomings while seeking forgiveness, and to find hope even amidst suffering. It is a day to recognise that, like the crowd, our understanding of Christ’s kingdom may be limited, but the path to true victory lies in following the example of love and sacrifice set by our humble King.
