GROW: Pay attention to the prominence of Scripture in today’s Mass. At Masses where there’s a Procession or the Solemn Entrance, we’ll hear the Gospel reading proclaiming Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. During our regular Liturgy of the Word, we’ll also read through the lengthy account of Christ’s passion (this year, from the Gospel of Matthew). Following the reading of the passion a brief homily may be given, but there may also be a period of silence rather than a homily.

GROW: The raising of Lazarus marks an irreversible turning point in Jesus’ ministry. It’s impossible to publicly raise someone from the dead and continue to fly beneath the radar. It’s no surprise that the next time we meet Jesus, he’ll be greeted with Hosannas and palm branches as the promised Son of David. But we also know that by raising Lazarus, Jesus attracts the attention of his enemies and sets himself on a course that ultimately leads to the cross. In our own life of discipleship, there may be times when we will have to step up and make a decisive and public choice for our faith or our values.

GROW: There has been much commentary over the centuries about Jesus’ use of saliva and mud to heal the man born blind. One of the most profound interpretations I have read reminds us that in Genesis, God made man out of “the dust of the ground.” (Gen 2:7) Jesus’ use of mud in the Gospel suggests that he is re-creating the blind man before him. The man receives a whole new life, such that even those who see him after his healing question whether he is the same person as before:

GROW: As the Israelites wandered in the desert, Moses heard their cries and recognized their deeper need, not simply for water, but for hope. And so Moses calls upon the Lord, who gives them water in the desert, revealing his trustworthiness. In the big and little ways that we ask the same question – “Is the Lord in our midst or not?” – our loving and generous Father reminds us that he has not abandoned us and that his goodness will ultimately prevail.

GROW: What struck me when I first read this passage from the Book of Genesis, in which the Lord speaks to Abraham, is God’s proclamation that it is through his will and his work that the blessings and goodness of Abraham’s future will come about. It is not a vague statement, in which the subject is omitted. God clearly says, “I will make your name great.” Abraham was a faithful servant of God and sought to obey God’s will, but that is not what made his name memorable. It is due to God’s will and generosity that Abraham’s blessings came about.