Reading 1      Luke 19: 35-38

So they took the colt to Jesus and, throwing their cloaks on its back, they lifted Jesus on to it.

As he moved off, they spread their cloaks in the road, and now, as he was approaching the downward slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole group of disciples joyfully began to praise God at the top of their voices for all the miracles they had seen. They cried out: Blessed is he who is coming as King in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!

Laying of Branches (while we sing):      Lauda Jerusalem Dominum;                                                         Lauda Deum tu-um, Sion.                                                         Hosanna, hosanna, Hosanna Filio David. There is the joy of Jesus entering Jerusalem and getting an enthusiastic welcome from the crowds. "Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Words we continue to sing during the Eucharistic Prayer at every Mass: Song:     'Holy Holy' ( from the Israeli Mass)    Period of silent Adoration of our King.              Song:     'Glory and Praise to our God'

Reading 2      Is 53: 2-5

He had no form or charm to attract us, no beauty to win our hearts; He was despised, the lowest of men, a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering, one from whom, as it were, we averted our gaze, despised, for whom we had no regard.  Yet ours were the sufferings he was bearing, ours the sorrows he was carrying, while we thought of him as someone being punished and struck with affliction by God; whereas he was being wounded for our rebellions, crushed because of our guilt; the punishment reconciling us fell on him, and we have been healed by his bruises.

Period of silent Adoration of our King, the Suffering Servant.

We are challenged to "Let the same mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus." Though Jesus was in the form of God, he "emptied" himself, and went down to the lowest depths of degradation and humiliation, dying naked and as a convicted criminal.

            Song:         'Who can sound the depths of sorrow?'

Reading 3      Mk 14: 32-40

They came to a plot of land called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Stay here while I pray." Then he took Peter and James and John with him.  And he began to feel terror and anguish. And he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Wait here, and stay awake." And going on a little further he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, this hour might pass him by.  “Abba, Father!” he said, “For you everything is possible. Take this cup away from me. But let it be as you, not I, would have it.” He came back and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Had you not the strength to stay awake one hour?  Stay awake and pray not to be put to the test. The spirit is willing enough, but human nature is weak." Again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came back and found them sleeping, their eyes were so heavy; and they could find no answer for him.

Period of silent Adoration of our King, who begs for our support.

            Song (softly):      'I surrender all'

Reading 4

The measure of Jesus' s love for us, the laying down his life for his friends, is an expression of God's love for us. Because of the intensity of the love Jesus showed he is swept up into the glory of God, so that we, too, may follow. But, on the way, we too have to be ready to empty ourselves in love for him and to be totally at the service of our brothers and sisters in the same spirit of caring.

Period of silent Adoration of our King, who loves us so much. 

Can we love him in return?

         Song:     'Enfold me in your love'

 Sharing and prayers

 Vocation Prayer

 O Lord Jesus, you said to your disciples,

“The harvest is great, but the labourers are few,

So ask the Lord of the harvest

to send labourers into his harvest”.

In your love and mercy you came on earth

so that all may come to know,

love and serve God.

We humbly beg you

to show your church in the Gambia

the spirit you gave to your apostles.

Lord, bless our Christian families,

and grant that from them may come

an abundance of workers for your vineyard.

May the Holy Spirit inspire our young people

To answer the call to become

priests, brothers and sisters in your service.

May all those who answer to your call

persevere and remain faithful to you

to be zealous in your service.

O Lord, give us our own priests.

O Lord, give us our own sisters.

O Lord, give us our own brothers.

Mary, Mother of priests and religious,

Pray for us. Amen

Recite together     Phil 2: 6-11

Final Song:     'Only a Shadow'

Br. Eamonn MacLochlainn (the Gambia)