April 5, 2020 - Palm Sunday

Yes, We Will Celebrate the Saving Mysteries of God’s Love    
     With the mandate by public health officials prohibiting all gatherings of people in large groups, and the directives of our Bishop Zubik implemented out of sincere pastoral care for God’s people, this will be a very different expression of Holy Week.  Though all public celebrations of the Mass are prohibited and the doors of our churches locked, the “celebration” of our salvation will continue to take place only “privately.”  However, this does not preclude  the faithful from participating.  In fact, during this time of crisis and uncertainty, all are encouraged to participate even more so!  Here’s what you can do:
     Set aside time for daily prayer, especially those times when you would normally find yourself in church participating at Mass or devotions.
     Prepare yourself for the liturgies by praying over the readings beforehand.  They are referenced in the weekly bulletin which you find online or visit usccb.org.
    Engage in these beautiful liturgies by viewing them as they are live streamed from our parish.
 

•   Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord’s Supper  7:00 p.m.
•   Good Friday - The Passion of the Lord 3:00 p.m.
•   Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil Mass  8:30 p.m.

    Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from centering your life in the Lord.  In fact, we have all the more reason to turn to Him in this time of universal need.  Our loving God is always there for us!
     The following narrative may be helpful in directing your focus on Jesus.  Without a doubt, know His compassion and presence with you.  Cling to Him and know His love.
 
Celebrating Palm Sunday – The Passion of the Lord
     Friends, the Palm Sunday liturgy offers us a view of the mysteries that we are invited to share in during Holy Week: the institution of the Eucharist, the passion and death of Jesus, and the prediction of his Resurrection.
     The reading during the processions with palms has a different tone than the readings during Mass.  Upon arriving at Jerusalem, Jesus is greeted with joy and praise by the crowd that had come to believe and to have faith in him as the Prophet of God.  “Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”  But all of this stays behind at Mass as we focus on the moment when Jesus celebrates the Passover with his closest friends.
     Jesus gives us the gift of the Eucharist, how He wants us to remember Him and makes Himself present to us.  Then we witness Judas’ betrayal though he later regrets it.  We also see betrayal by Peter who rejects Jesus three times lest he suffer the same fate.  The weakness of Peter and the other apostles is again the focus when the apostles cannot even stay awake and pray with Jesus in the Garden of Olives.  Jesus repeatedly invites them to stay awake and pray with him.  It’s obvious that it isn’t out of merit or strength that Jesus has chosen them for the mission and that without the Holy Spirit, they can do nothing.  The same can be said of us.
     In the Garden of Gethsemane as on the cross, Jesus feels alone.  His suffering is announced in the psalm that Jesus will shout from the cross: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”  In his humanity, Jesus is tempted by doubt: You too, my God have forsaken me?  Does all of this suffering make any sense?  But Jesus draws strength from weakness and, in his final act of faith, he again gives himself to the Father: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.”
     The readings today leave us in suspense that will only be resolved at the great Easter Vigil.  What’s going to happen?  Jesus is dead and buried.  However, the readings still offer us something powerful!  The Gospel reminds us that the story doesn’t end there.  The priests and Pharisees, knowing that Jesus said he would rise from the dead in three days, take every precaution to prevent anyone from stealing the body and claiming that Jesus has risen!  Not only do they request guards, but the seal the tomb.  The readings are preparing us to recognize on Easter Sunday that if the tomb is empty, it’s not the work of men.
     May we emerge from these high holy days of the liturgical year with renewed faith, hope, and love.  Jesus continues to renew lives.  May you personally experience newness of life through our risen Lord in this week to come.  
 
Thank You and Right Back at You!
     Personally, and on behalf of Father Will, thank you to the many parishioners and friends who have expressed their concern for us, their commitment of prayers and offers to be of assistance in these times of social isolation.  Your kindness means so very much!
     Be assured that our prayers and well wishes are with you as well. Know that you and your families are remembered in our daily prayers and in celebrating the  holy sacrifice of the Mass.  We are one in the Lord and we will get through this - together.  God’s blessings . . .