April 2nd.

Dear Friends,
Palm (Passion) Sunday initiates the holiest week of the year for Christians, hence it’s name: “Holy Week!” The double name reminds that the week begins with the commemoration Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (hence, the palm branches, waved in adulation and welcome) and the ignominious end that is marked on the Friday of this week, the devastating death of the King of the Jews.


The focus during these days is less on the words Jesus spoke, and more on the actions of the Christ, the Messiah. That said, we will hear plenty of words this week. The long reading of the Passion from Gospel of Matthew on Palm Sunday, and then again from the Gospel of John on Good Friday; the account of Jesus’ washing his disciples’ feet in connection with the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday; the review of Old Testament salvation history at the Easter Vigil; and the account of the finding of the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. These events, taken together, comprise what some call “the hinge of human history,” the focal point of human destiny, the re-creation of the human person, the reconciliation of God with humanity. As mysterious as all this is, we don’t need to understand it. What we need is to enter into it. We need to experience it. It can serve as a vehicle for our encounter with the living Lord, Who wants nothing more than to be united with us


It takes a special effort to attend the extra services in church this week on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Consider making the time; enter into the spirit of this week. Rather than simply jumping from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, walk together with the Church as Christians around the world accompany our Lord on a liturgical journey through the events that changed history.


May your week reflect the encounter with Christ
we experienced at Mass today!


​