The Fifth Sunday of Lent marks the beginning of Passiontide
- web81754
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
The Fifth Sunday of Lent marks the beginning of Passiontide, a solemn period in the Christian calendar that draws us closer to the suffering of Christ.
Traditionally known as Passion Sunday, this day begins the final two weeks of Lent, leading us through the path of Christ’s suffering and ultimately to the joy of His resurrection.
At Mildmay Hospital, we are reminded daily of the reality of suffering - of those who are unwell, vulnerable, or in need of care. But just as Christ’s Passion was not the end of His story, neither is suffering the end of ours. Passiontide calls us to reflect on the depth of God’s love, to carry our own burdens with faith, and to walk alongside those in need with compassion and hope.
As we journey through these final days of Lent, may we prepare our hearts to witness the sacrifice of Christ and the promise of renewal that follows.
Pope Francis' Message for Lent 2025 has as its theme,” let us journey together in hope”. Are we really on a journey, or are we standing still, not moving, either immobilized by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of our comfort zone? Are we seeking ways to leave behind the occasions and situations that degrade my dignity? Pope Francis goes on to suggest that it would be a good Lenten exercise for us to compare our daily life with that of a migrant, to learn how to sympathize with their experiences and in this way discover what God is asking of us. Learning by comparison, perhaps we can better advance on our Lenten journey Indeed, this might be a good “examination of conscience” for all of us wayfarers.
The Sunday Gospel is a very moving story. It presents the story of a woman misunderstood, a woman who was scapegoated, a woman who eventually threw herself on the mercy of God, highlighting the theme of our compassionate God, who desires to draw all people to Godself. This response really took the wind out of the accusers, disarming them all. All of them laid down their weapons, that is, the stones they were ready to throw. As the Lord continued to draw on the ground, the accusers went away, one by one, heads lowered, all keenly aware, we hope, that they themselves were in need of forgiveness. Christ showed that his heart was touched by her state of rejection, by the reading of her heart. Here at Mildmay, we are so privileged to be present to those for whom we care, to share their anxieties, fears, hope and even their joys. I pray that we too are touched by their sharing.
Bernie Devine SP
Mildmay chaplain
Lenten Poem by Ann Weems
Lent is a time to take time to let the power
of our faith story take hold of us,
a time to let the events get up
and walk around in us,
a time to intensify our living unto Christ,
a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,
a time to place our feet in the streets of
Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and
listen to his Word,
a time to touch his robe
and feel the healing surge through us,
a time to ponder and a time to wonder….
Lent is a time to allow
a fresh new taste of God!
Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think,
for thoughts come unbidden.
Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future
knowing our past.
Give us courage, O God,
to hear your Word
and to read our living into it.
Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven
and give us the faith
to take up our lives and walk.
A Prayer for Passiontide:
Lord of Compassion, as we enter Passiontide,
help us to walk with You in love and humility.
May we see Your suffering reflected in those who are vulnerable,
and may we serve them with kindness.
Strengthen our faith as we prepare for the joy of resurrection.
Amen.
This detail from a chasuble in St Dominic's Priory, Newcastle, is a suitable motif for Passiontide with the crown of thorns encircling the heart of Jesus, a sign of his suffering love for humanity. From Christ's suffering comes new life, symbolized by the flowers.
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