"Man Of Sorrows, Wrapt In Grief"

As we continue our Palm Sunday celebration, I offer this version of "Man Of Sorrows, Wrapt In Grief":

 

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Today the Church celebrates Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. The assigned readings are Isaiah 50:4-7, Philippians 2:6-11, and Matthew 26:14 - 27:66 . The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 22 (Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm 2026 - Palm Sunday - Psalm

The Gospel reading for the procession with the palms (Matthew 21:1-11) is as follows:

When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, 'The master has need of them.' Then he will send them at once." This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: "Say to daughter Zion, 'Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'"

The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest." And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, "Who is this?" And the crowds replied, "This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee."

Reflections related to these readings:

Benedictine College: This Sunday, the Passion Means the Innocent Die for the Guilty, Even Now (26 MAR 26)

Word on Fire: God Enters Into Our Darkness (Cycle A * Solemnity * Palm Sunday)

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: All is fulfilled (27 MAR 26)

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (25 MAR 26)

The Pilot: Echoes: Archbishop Richard G. Henning: His blood (27 MAR 26)

The Quiet Corner: Lessons in Humility and Peace (26 MAR 26) 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for our blessed palms.

Elizabeth Scalia on the Importance of the Annunciation

"Non-Catholic friends are often puzzled by our calendar of memorials and solemnities, particularly the solemnity of the Annunciation -- a moment that usually only hits their awareness in the days leading up to Christmas.

"I have been asked more than once why we remember it in March or, in fact, at all. 'Jesus came once for all; he doesn't keep coming, so what's the point?'"

In a recent commentary, writer Elizabeth Scalia reflected on some of the reasons why it is important to remember and celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord.

To access Ms. Scalia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Elizabeth Scalia: Why does the Annunciation loom so large in Catholicism? (25 MAR 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"Incorporate the Gospel into the choices you make at work and in your social and political commitments, in order to give a voice to the voiceless, thereby spreading a culture of care. Make everything a gift to God and live everything as a mission that calls you to be friends in Christ and faithful companions for one another on the journey." - Pope Leo XIV

"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence":

 

New England Municipal Government News Headlines

Recent news stories related to municipal government in New England (and issues being faced on the local level) include these articles:

CT: West Haven’s downtown revitalization takes step forward with $250k state assist (New Haven Register)

ME: Maine police use AI software developed by a 19-year-old to write reports (Bangor Daily News)

MA: If it's not about 'one big school,' where is the sustainability study for northern Berkshire leading? (The Berkshire Eagle)

NH: New Ipswich faces tough choices under default budget (Monadnock Ledger-Transcript)

RI: Hydraulic study to investigate Cumberland water main issues (The Valley Breeze)

VT: What happens when your town can't afford to fix the roads? (Vermont Public)

National: Rising gas prices impact first responders, city workers (KXJB-LD)

Background information:

City of West Haven, CT

Town of New Ipswich, NH

Town of Cumberland, RI

National Nutrition Month

The month of March is being observed as National Nutrition Month, an observance designed to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The 2026 theme, "Discover the Power of Nutrition," is designed to address how nutrition has the power to help individuals and communities thrive.

For more information related to this observance, please visit:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: National Nutrition Month

Background information:

American Society for Nutrition

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

 

Belated Birthday Blessings, Valerie!!!

Belated birthday greetings to Valerie Baldizon-Gonzalez, wife of nephew Christopher Gonzalez,whose birthday was yesterday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Adam!!!

Belated birthday greetings to son Adam, whose birthday was yesterday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of spinach.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on Holy Week and Holy Days

"When I was growing up, there was a poster in our church that featured a large cross on a hill with the phrase:  'Only one week in the whole calendar is called Holy.' At the bottom of the poster were the dates and times for the Holy Week services and events. That poster and phrase have stuck with me for many years. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on how the spirit of Holy Week can be practiced by each of us every day, every week.

To access Fr. Kolodziej's complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: Holy Days, Holy Week (26 MAR 26)