Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, Year C

Joe Paprocki Spiritual Growth

Morgner - "Entry of Christ into Jerusalem"

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, the power of evil is lurking and the heavenly hosts stand ready to go into battle, beginning with the appearance of an army of angels to the shepherds at the birth of Christ. Evil tempts Jesus in the desert. Throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus drives out demons. However, the ultimate battle takes place during the Passion of Jesus that we enter into this Holy Week. Evil’s tenacious presence is manifested in Jesus’ agony in the garden, in the betrayal of Judas, in the weakness of the Apostles, in the hostility of the crowds and the leaders of Israel, in Herod and Pilate, and in Peter’s denial. Luke’s Gospel reminds us that the power of evil is never to be underestimated. And yet, through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, the power of darkness is dispelled.

Reflection/Discussion Questions

  • When was a time you experienced darkness in your life?
  • How does Jesus’ Death and Resurrection dispel the power of darkness?

Enjoy an Arts & Faith: Lent reflection on Wilhelm Morgner’s Entry of Christ into Jerusalem.

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About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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