Here are the Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week. Note that the readings and reflections are for Holy Week. The regular cover-to-cover readings continue next week. 

Palm Sunday – April 13

Matthew 21:1-11, 26:14-16, 26:20-25, 26:47-50

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, many trials lay ahead — persecution, insults, betrayal and death on a cross. He chose to enter the city humbly, riding on a donkey. 

Upon His entry into Jerusalem how do you think that Jesus felt, seeing so many people praising Him when He knew that human praise can quickly turn into betrayal?

Ask God to help us be faithful to what He has called us to do, regardless of how others react to us.

In your life, from whom are you seeking approval?

Monday of Holy Week – April 14

Matthew 25:1-13

Luke 22:7-13

John 12:1-8

Today’s readings deal with preparations. 

Ask God to help us to prepare confidently and thoroughly for the future, knowing that wherever we go God will always be there with us.

Are you starting a new season in your life — marriage, parenthood, ministry or school? Are you, or is someone you know, close to death? What preparations have you done for yourself, and for your family, to deal with the changes ahead?

Tuesday of Holy Week – April 15

John 13:1-38

At Jesus’ Last Supper, He served His disciples, taught them and accepted them for who they were, with their strengths and weaknesses. One would betray Him; one would deny ever knowing Him; most would abandon Him. Jesus’ disciples were afraid, confused and sad.

Ask God to help us see the deep pain and love, and not the imperfect behaviour, when dealing with our loved ones in times of crisis.

Imagine what your last supper would be like if God told you that tomorrow was the last day of your life. Who would be there? How would the people invited to your last supper act, or react, to the situation? How would you act, and how would you react to their behaviour? Imagine loving and accepting yourself, and the others at your last supper, who might struggle to cope with their impending loss.

Wednesday of Holy Week – April 16

Matthew 23:37-39

Jesus’ heart broke seeing those whom He loved, the people of Jerusalem, make choices that would cause them great suffering. 

Ask God to help us continue to pray for and care about our loved ones who are suffering from the bad choices that they have made.

Are you tempted to give up on praying for someone you care about? 

Thursday of Holy Week – April 17

Matthew 18:21-22

John 13:36-38, 18:15-17, 18:25-27, 21:15-17

As we read in Matthew Chapter 18, it seems that Peter wanted to limit the number of times that he had to forgive someone who hurt him. Yet, as we see in the readings from John, Peter then did one of the most hurtful things one can do to a friend. He denied that he even knew Jesus, not just once, but three times.

The resurrected Jesus then gave Peter the opportunity to make amends for his denials.

When people are afraid they might lie or perform other hurtful actions. Ask God to help us to listen to others with our hearts — perhaps there is a very great and painful truth hidden in the lies that we hear.

Is there someone in your life to whom you should provide an opportunity to make amends to you?

Good Friday – April 18

Matthew 26:26-28, 27:24-54

Imagine yourself standing at the foot of Jesus’ Cross. Feel the power of the earthquake and hear the loud voices of the soldiers as they come to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. 

Now imagine yourself receiving the Eucharist.

Ask God to deepen our appreciation of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and to help us receive His power more fully into us so that we can share His love with all of those around us.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament provides a wonderful way to deepen our connection to Christ. Are you able to engage in this special devotion more regularly?

Holy Saturday – April 19

John 20:1-18

Jesus gave Mary of Magdala (Mary Magdalene) a challenging assignment — to tell others that He had risen from the dead.

Ask God to help us to be faithful, and not necessarily successful, in bringing the good news about Christ to others.

Imagine Jesus telling you to do something. What would He be telling you to do? Would you be more concerned about doing what He told you to do or about the reaction you might receive by doing it?