I’ve always looked forward to this Sunday. As a young person it meant a lot to be holding the palms. I think I always tried to keep them straight up throughout our time in church while I listened. It’s a bit different the last 20-years as I’ve been much more part of things as a deacon.
As we begin Mass, it’s a joyous celebration with the blessing of the palms. Words from the Gospel describing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This year, I’ll read from Matthew about the ride into the city. People throwing branches and cloaks ahead of him. Some question why such a welcome? We take part in that warm greeting too.
But we know it’s a week that ended much differently than how it started. The Passion comes alive later as the priest, deacon, readers and people in attendance each have a part in presenting the Gospel. Difficult at times to remember how it took place. It’s hard to be shouting against Jesus. It gets us ready for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday to come.
“Let us run to accompany him as he hastens toward his passion and imitate those who met him then…by being humble and by trying to live as he would wish.” From a sermon of St. Andrew of Crete in the Liturgy of the Hours.
God Bless,
Deacon Tom
We have wheelchair accessible entrances to the church, social hall, and education center, and reserved pews, as well as fully accessible restrooms.
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