Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week, the most important time in the Church’s year. We accompany Christ into Jerusalem and then watch in horror as the week unfolds ending with his death on the Cross. But we must look beyond the cross to the gift of our salvation that comes with Easter dawn.
What has always struck me is the drama of this week. At the beginning the people of Jerusalem are hailing Jesus to be the new David. “Hosanna”, meaning “save us” is on their lips yet before the week is out they are baying for his blood, “Crucify him, crucify him”. The question for us is “are we so fickle?”
There are many opportunities this week to accompany Christ through this week showing our deep faith and commitment to Him. Please make an extra effort with your families to attend the Triduum services this Holy Week especially in this Holy Year of Mercy. The supper, arrest, trials, passion, death and the rising of Christ is how God has shown us how complete his mercy is towards us. Don’t be apathetic towards this fundamental wonder in our lives.
It is also the time when our Catechumens, those adults wanting to join us, will be Baptised, Confirmed and receive Holy Communion. It is for us a wonderful sign of the openness and vitality of the parish that people seem to like us and have found their way to Christ through us. Don’t let them down on the day!
God bless you, your families, and the week ahead.
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter