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Mark 11:1-10 • Isaiah 50:4-7 • Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 • Philippians 2:6-11 • Mark 14:1—15:47

Sunday April 1Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear;And I have not rebelled, have not turned back.

Isaiah 50:4-5

When you woke up this morning, what did you hear? Birds chirping outside? Mom fixing breakfast? Sometimes sounds are so familiar, we hardly notice them. But sounds can be important, especially if they warn us of danger or teach us something new.

As you hear Jesus’ crucifixion story, listen for the sounds: mocking laugh-ter, whips lashing, footsteps and crying, crowds shouting. Then pay attention to sounds this week—especially others asking for help.

Open my ears today, Lord.

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Isaiah 42:1-7 • Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14 John 12:1-11

Monday April 2Monday of Holy Week

Here is my servant… my chosen one…

Isaiah 42:1

God has chosen you. He has chosen you to do something special for him. It’s easy to think that this refers to only special people like the saints. But no, God has chosen you to be his servant also. You might think that you’re too young to really be of much help to anyone. There was a saint who said that Jesus asks us to do “little things.” When you choose to play with the unpopular class-mate, when you do your chores without being asked or when you share your games and toys are examples of some of the “little things” Jesus has chosen for us to do as his servants.

O God, help me to think of “little things” that I can do as your servant today.

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Isaiah 49:1-6 • Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17 John 13:21-33, 36-38

Tuesday April 3Tuesday of Holy Week

I will make you a light to the nations…Isaiah 49:6

It’s amazing to me just how far an act of kindness can spread. Something as small as a smile and a friendly greeting to anoth-er person can affect their whole day. That person will then be more inclined to share it with someone else.

The whole concept of “pay it forward” is so important when it comes to matters of our faith also. Making the Sign of the Cross with your meal prayer can remind someone else to pray. Wearing a cross or a medal can remind others of the impor-tance of Jesus in our lives. Acts as simple as these will initiate the light that can spread to many around us and ultimately to oth-ers far away.

Tonight when the lights are turned off, think of the ways that you helped spread the “light of Jesus” to those around you today.

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Isaiah 50:4-9 • Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34 Matthew 26:14-25

Wednesday April 4Wednesday of Holy Week

See, the Lord God is my help.

Isaiah 50:9

I was walking through the park the other day and was comparing

that walk to my life. Sometimes the path that I followed was smooth and easy, but when I got off the path, it became harder. That’s how life is, isn’t it?

As we walk through life, isn’t it nice to know that God is walking on the path with us? He has told us that even if we get off the path, he will help us find the way back. He has promised to be our helper.

Jesus, help me to remember that you’ve given me the commandments for my path through life. When I don’t follow them, help me to get back on the right path.

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Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 • Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 • John 13:1-15

Thursday April 5Holy Thursday

I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.

John 13:15

What models did Jesus give us? Think about his life. When Jesus heard the blind man calling him, Jesus left the crowd and went to talk with him. When he saw the father crying because his daughter was dying, Jesus went to their house to help them. He even washed the dust off of the apostles’ feet just as an ordinary servant would do.

Jesus showed us how to be servants. Whether we’re at school, at home

or on the playground, there will be ways that we can help others. We

don’t have to look far.Jesus, help me to

be aware of ways that I can serve

others as you did.

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Isaiah 52:13—53:12 • Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 • John 18:1—19:42

Friday April 6Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.

Hebrews 5:8

Listening to your parents is very impor-tant. But it isn’t always easy. Sometimes your mom or dad may tell you to do your homework before going outside to play. Or they may tell you to be truthful about something that you did.

Today the Church remembers the sacri-fice of Jesus dying on the cross. All through his life, Jesus followed the will of his Father in heaven. It wasn’t always easy for him either. His ultimate act of obedience to his Father was his death on the cross.

Tonight, look at a crucifix and think about Jesus’ ultimate obedience to his Father.

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Exodus 14:15—15:1 • Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18 • Romans 6:3-11 • Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 • Mark 16:1-7

Saturday April 7Holy Saturday

They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back.

Mark 16:3-4

The women who came to anoint Jesus re-alized they needed help to open the tomb. To their surprise, when they arrived, God had already solved their problem.

For the forty days of Lent, we have been striving to improve our relationship with God and each other through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Hopefully we built some good habits, but also learned we can’t do it all ourselves. The Holy Spirit working in us will help us grow in holiness.

Jesus, teach me to place my trust in you.

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Acts 10:34, 37-43 • Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Colossians 3:1-4 • John 20:1-9

Sunday April 8Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.

John 20:2

Death in this world is a great mys-

tery. We know none of us will stay here forever, but we don’t know exactly what happens after we leave this world. Our faith tells us that we can hope in eter-nal life with God.

Jesus came back to earth to prove he had been raised to heaven and calm the disciples’ fears. Mary Magdalen couldn’t find his body right away, but we know we can always find him in the Eucharist and in church, in prayer and in others—even in our own hearts.

Jesus, reveal yourself to me this Easter.

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Acts 2:14, 22-33 • Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11 Matthew 28:8-15

Monday April 9Easter Monday

Neither was [the Messiah] abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption.

God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.

Acts 2:31-32

Easter is not the celebration of Jesus’ death. There is no tombstone to visit; no ashes were buried. Jesus lives!

He stays by our side through all time, guid-

ing us and protecting us.The Easter season lasts fifty days.

(That’s longer than Lent!) Turn your solemn mood to confident trust and joy. Celebrate God’s blessings with smiles, laughter and love.

My heart rejoices, Lord, for you are ever-lasting.

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Acts 2:36-41 • Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22 John 20:11-18

Tuesday April 10Easter Tuesday

Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.

John 20:18

Jesus spoke to Mary of Magdala, but she didn’t recognize him at first. Her sadness may have made her miss what’s right in front of her. That happens to us too. Some-times we can get so caught up in our feel-ings that we forget to see all the ways God is there with us.

God, when I am sad, help me see you in my friend’s smile. When I am angry, help me find your peace in my quiet place. And when I feel excited, help me to stop and thank you for all my blessings.

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Acts 3:1-10 • Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9 Luke 24:13-35

Wednesday April 11Easter Wednesday

He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walk-ing and jumping and praising God.

Acts 3:8

Imagine being that man, crippled his whole life until this moment when God heals him. For the first time, he stands and walks. No wonder he jumps about! No wonder he praises God! Wouldn’t you?

God heals each one of us in different ways and at different times. He forgives our sins, he mends our broken hearts and hurt feelings, he makes us stronger. How has God healed you? Don’t forget to jump and praise him.

Father, thank you for healing my hurts inside and out.

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Acts 3:11-26 • Psalm 8:2, 5-9 Luke 24:35-48

Thursday April 12Easter Thursday

What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?

Psalm 8:5

The earth is huge, but it is only one of many plan-ets in one of many galax-ies. In the big picture, we

really are teeny tiny specks. Hard to believe that the God who made that enormous universe cares about us…but he does. A lot.

God loves each one of us with a love that is bigger than the universe.

God, your stars remind me of your deep love for me. I love you too.

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Acts 4:1-12 • Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27 John 21:1-14

Friday April 13Easter Friday

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.

Psalm 118:1

This drive is taking forever! I’ve been standing in this line for-ever!

Forever means “never-end-ing,” and sometimes it can feel like this wait or that line will never finish. But nothing really lasts forever except for God.

God’s love is the one thing we can count on to last. He loves us for always. Maybe while we’re on those long drives and in those long lines, we can use the time to give thanks to the Lord.

God, you love me forever and for always. Nothing can ever take your love from me.

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Acts 4:13-21 • Psalm 118:1, 14-21 Mark 16:9-15

Saturday April 14Easter Saturday

It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.

Acts 4:20

A great movie. The winning goal. A cool trick. When you experience something amazing, you just have to tell people about it. You’re so excited about what you’ve seen, you can’t wait to share it with your friends and family.

Imagine how excited the disciples must have felt. Jesus healed, taught and rose from the dead. It wasn’t a movie, a game or a magic trick. It was real life. Not only that, it promised new life for everyone.

God, give us the words to speak about you until all the world has heard.