If you’ve been paying attention to the gospels the last couple of Sundays, it may be a good indication that it is hinting at what is about to happen. With the Christmas season behind us, it is time to gear up for another liturgical season that teaches us self-mortification and helps us grow closer to Christ, emulating Him in all that we do. That season is Lent.
Lent will begin this year on Wednesday, February 18th, with Ash Wednesday. Every year, we hear from the Prophet Joel to return to the lord with all our hearts.
Here is a preview of the readings for Lent Year A
First Sunday of LentÂ
We hear the account of creation and how sin comes into the world. Jesus overcame the temptations of the world because God’s redeeming grace saves us. Â The readings are: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7, Psalm 51 Romans 5:12-19Â Matthew 4:1-11Â
Palm Sunday
There is a saying that so much can happen in a week. Jesus Christ, who is often questioned as some kind of king, enters Jerusalem on a donkey. The animal can represent the humility Jesus demonstrates through his actions. Christ entered Jerusalem not by military conquest. Rather, he entered in peace and was greeted with shouts of Hosanna.
Then, much will change as Christ is betrayed, scourged, and sentenced to death with the crowd urging Pilate to “Crucify him”. The Holy Week and passion accounts do remind us that in the midst of triumph and turmoil, we must be faithful to God.  Matthew 21:1-11 (Proclaimed before procession of palms), Isaiah 50:4-7, Psalm 22, Philippians 2:6-11 Matthew 26:14—27:66
Holy Week
- Monday:Â Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11 (Mary Anoints Jesus).
- Tuesday:Â Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36 (The Hour of Glory).
- Wednesday: Spy Wednesday:
- Judas quietly conspires with those who want Jesus arrested and put to death. The readings are: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-33, 34-38 (Betrayal Foretold).
- Holy Thursday ( Lord’s Supper): The 40th day of Lent is marked with the institution of two sacraments on the night before Christ died for us, Holy Eucharist and Penance. The readings are Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15 (Washing of Feet).
- Good Friday (Lord’s Passion): The readings for Good Friday give us a look into how Christ would suffer for us, how Christ experienced human weakness and suffering, and how the cross will be a symbol of Christ’s conquest over death. Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 31; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42 (Passion Narrative).Â
Easter Triduum
Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
During the Easter Vigil, we hear of the account of Salvation History that will end with the resurrection of Christ. The silence that began on Good Friday will end with a glorious Alleluia as Christ will conquer death as the prophets and he have foreshadowed.
Genesis 1:1-2:2 (or 1, 26-31a); Psalm 104; Genesis 22:1-18 (or 1, 2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18); Psalm 16; Exodus 14:10-14 (or 10-14, 15-16); Exodus 15; Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 28:1-10.Â
It’s Easter. New life is in the church. The weeping that began on Good Friday will turn into rejoicing as the apostles will receive news from St. Mary Magdalen that Christ has risen from the dead. Many will see pews filled since Christmas. We are reminded of how we are called to be Christ witnesses now on earth as we proclaim passion, death, and resurrection.
The readings are Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4 (or 1 Cor 5:6b-8); John 20:1-9.Â
Remember to give God your heart, heed his voice, fast for the world, and grow closer to him, and give up worldly pleasures and attach to the world that is to come. To follow along with the readings for Lent and Holy Week, visit here