Holy Week for Moms: Palm Sunday

Monica McConkey shares a series of meditations for mothers for each day of Holy Week.

Holy Week is here, and instead of trying to squeeze in elaborate crafts or activities for each day of Holy Week, I’m looking at something SIMPLER, but perhaps more meaningful. By drawing connections between the events of each day of Holy Week with the challenges of motherhood and family life, I think I can better focus my reflection and hopefully deepen my prayer!

Why not reflect on the actions and experiences of Jesus and what they can teach us or model for us in our own lives as mothers?

Palm Sunday

Knowing full well what is ahead for Him in Jerusalem, Jesus parades through the streets and is welcomed, applauded even! Only five days later some of these same crowds are yelling “Crucify Him” and begging the authorities to release an actual criminal in His Place.

The crowd is fickle ... and kids can be fickle too.

Sometimes, I am disheartened by my kids’ reaction to how I serve them. I can be cooking for an hour or two only to see dinner gobbled up in five minutes, kids scurrying off to do more important things with nary a thank you or even a smile of appreciation. 

As my kids enter adulthood, the way I serve them is changing quite a bit. With two of my kids living elsewhere, I support them by talking through things, giving advice when asked, and of course, praying for them. Sometimes they agree with me and sometimes they don’t, and their choices can hurt.

My Prayer:

Help me to serve without needing to be affirmed and without counting the cost.
Heal the resentment I feel when I don’t feel appreciated.
Fill me with Your Grace to remain empathetic and steadfast in service.
Heal our hearts when we disagree and make choices that hurt each other.

Lord, help me love my children unconditionally, even when their emotions and behaviors shift like those of the crowds on Palm Sunday.

20250412 Holy Week Monica McConkey Palm Sunday