This Sunday, we celebrate Palm Sunday and focus on the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful on this day to be used for personal devotion throughout the year. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, during which we commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus.
Commenting on Palm Sunday in a recent message, as reported by the media outlet “Catholic News Agency”, Pope Francis invited the faithful to follow in Jesus’ footsteps as he entered Jerusalem “so that being made by his grace partakers of the cross, we may have a share also in his resurrection and in his life.” He further noted, “Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus entered Jerusalem as a humble and peaceful King. Let us open our hearts to him. Only he can deliver us from enmity, hatred, violence, because he is mercy and the forgiveness of sins. “
The following “Prayer for Holy Week” by media contributor Etta Katherine invites us to truly embrace a spiritual focus as we begin this journey during Holy Week:
As we reflect on this prayer, and on the words of Pope Francis, Our Holy Father has invited the faithful to make a special effort to draw closer to Christ. He has asked us to focus on the sacredness of Holy Week, and take time to pray, reflect, and discern. Pope Francis wants us to more fully understand what Jesus did for us, what Jesus means to us.
Pursuant to this request, we are strongly encouraged to participate in our upcoming liturgical services during Holy Week if we are physically able. We are also strongly encouraged to invite family members and friends to join us.
Please carefully review the schedule of our Masses and our other liturgical services for the week and plan to participate to the extent possible. Details can be found in the Parish bulletin and on the Parish website.
Today, as we celebrate and experience the joy of Palm Sunday, as we shout “Hosanna”, we are challenged to truly appreciate this special time of grace.