The Gospel of Mark records that after Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, "He entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He looked around at everything and, since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve" (Mk 11:11).  Although Mark does not specify who offered Him hospitality, there is a tradition that Our Lord spent that night at the house of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, whom we know were dear to His heart.  In any event, the fact that Jesus was turned away from staying in Jerusalem that night by the hardness of men's hearts has long been seen as an invitation of Christian souls to open-hearted generosity with the King, acclaimed with regal greeting, and then rejected within a matter of hours.  Each of us seeks to make our soul a "Bethany," a place of rest and friendship for the Lord.

With this aspect of Palm Sunday's history in mind, we share a reflection from a holy Passionist nun, Venerable Mother Magdalena, on the time of Jesus' stay in the house of Martha and Mary.

As we continue on through Holy Week, we will share more reflections from this ardent Passionist's heart!