Palm Sunday

So we begin Holy Week, the most sacred time for us Catholic Christians. 
We started with the 'long' Mass today - tiring, but a 'good tired', from my vantage point.  It takes alot emotionally to preside over these liturgies. 
But it is also an honor and a privilege, and I try my best to make each liturgy, even if it is a 'repeat' for me, as special as the one before, knowing that it is the first and only liturgy for those in attendance.

We began with the blessing of palm branches and the 'special' Gospel reading proclaiming Jesus' triumpant entry into Jersualem.  The crowds intended to make him their king!  But Jesus knew differently how it would all turn out.

And sure enough, in a few short minutes, we joined together in playing the various parts of the Passion Narrative, depicting Jesus' suffering and death.  Life is so unpredictable, isn't it.  We never know what lies in store for us from one minute to the next, no matter how well we think we have it planned out.
So we are challenged to simply put it all in the hands of the Lord, and to - as Mother Teresa was so fond of saying - simply live faithfully each and every day: faithful to where the Lord is asking us to go.  Then the rest will take care of itself.

This afternoon I watched the Passion Play as presented by members of our community.  It is a wonderful tradition in this parish to present the Passion Play each Holy Week.  It is a true labor of love; men, women and children from near and far, who have been rehearsing since January for this special time of the year.  And although some of the scenes have been modified this year, it is still as poignant and powerful as ever.  It is a treat to be able to witness this at the beginning of this Holy Week.  I will return on Good Friday to see it once again.  In the meantime, the next few days will be filled with the behind-the-scenes preparations for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday!