The Passover is near; there is a plot afoot to kill Jesus. he could no longer move freely around the city. These phrases from today’s gospel remind us that Lent now brings us to the events of Holy Week.
This “preparation day” offers me the chance to strengthen my relationship with Jesus, to renew my commitment to walk in his footsteps towards Calvary—whatever “Calvary” might mean in my life this Holy Week 2017. How have these weeks of Lent strengthened my relationship with Jesus? How is Jesus inviting me to walk with him these coming days of grace? What Easter gifts—personal and spiritual—is Jesus offering me this year? What gifts do I hope for? What gifts do I really need?
—The Jesuit prayer team