St. Joseph of Arimathea (Feast Day:  March 17)

First Century

In today’s Gospel, we hear of “a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph.” Joseph was a respected, wealthy civic leader who had become a disciple of Jesus. Following the death of Jesus, Joseph obtained Jesus’ body from Pilate, wrapped it in fine linen, and buried it. According to some legends, Joseph was punished and imprisoned for such a bold act. Joseph is considered the patron saint of funeral directors and pallbearers.

·      Which character of this Gospel sticks out to you?

·      After listening to the two Gospels today, what did you hear that was new to you?

·      Jesus died on the cross for you. How does that make you feel about Jesus?

·      St. Joseph of Arimathea showed great love and great courage to give Jesus a proper burial. Share a time when you did a good deed that required courage.

Random Acts of Kindness

Today can be a heavy day as we hear about Jesus dying on the cross, but Pope Francis reminds us that we need to remember this essential message: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.”  (Joy of the Gospel, 164)

Today, take some time to share that love with others by doing acts of kindness!  Do something for someone else to make them smile or brighten their day. Do them at home or in your neighborhood. Get as creative as you want!  Here are some ideas to consider:

•       Let someone go before you in line.

•          Pick up litter.

•          Offer to carry people’s groceries or return their cart for them when grocery shopping.

•          Leave money at a vending machine for someone to buy a treat.

•          Do a chore or task for someone in your family (even if it is one you don’t like).

•          Pay for someone else’s order at a restaurant/coffee shop or leave a generous tip.

•          Help a neighbor with their yard work.

•          Give compliments when you’re talking to someone.

•          Write a note of affirmation to a friend or family member and mail it to them.

•          Take some treats to the nurses at the hospital.

•          Make a thank you note (and maybe some treats) for your mail carrier. 

Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Using a leafy vegetable helps us remember the leafy palm branches that were waved as Jesus entered Jerusalem.

1 package lasagna noodles

2 pounds ricotta

1-2 cups frozen spinach defrosted and drained

2 eggs

¼ cup parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese total (1 of the cups is for the filling, 1 for the top)

2 jars of Mezzetta marinara sauce

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Cook the lasagna noodles. Combine ricotta, spinach, eggs, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Spread some of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the 9 x 13 dish. Spread the ricotta mixture over each noodle, about ¼ inch thick. Roll each noodle and put “seam side down” in the dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the top of each roll and sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the top of sauce. Bake 30 minutes with aluminum foil on top. Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes more. If refrigerating ahead of time, pull out at least 1 to 2 hours prior, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer.

Anima Christi

This prayer in Latin means “Soul of Christ.”  You can pray this prayer together, have one family member read it, or take turns each reading a line.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from Christ’s side, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within Thy wounds hide me.

Suffer me not to be separated from thee.

From the malignant enemy defend me.

In the hour of my death call me.

And bid me come unto Thee,

That with all Thy saints,

I may praise thee

Forever and ever.

Amen.

At Mass today, what phrase did people sing when they waved their palm branches? What does this phrase mean?

Do one random act of kindness each day this week.

The Triduum, which is the summit of the Liturgical Year, starts the evening of Holy Thursday and goes to the evening of Easter Sunday. It is the shortest but most important liturgical season. To learn more about Holy Week, check out the video at:  https://bustedhalo.com/video/watch-holy-week-in-three-minutes