What does it mean to “empty oneself?” Jesus did just that; he made himself vulnerable and weak and obedient in order that we might have life. This Palm Sunday is a study in contrasts: the strong one becomes weak; evil becomes triumphant; the wise one is made to look foolish; and the hope of the people is hung on the cross.
Jesus became one of us to show us how to become like God. Yet he ended his earthly existence dying as a slave. He totally emptied himself in order that we might be filled up. But in order to be filled with the grace of God means that we need to walk the road to Calvary with our Lord. Many of us participated in Stations of the Cross. But how many of us really entered into the Passion of our Lord?
How far are we willing to walk on the road to the cross? Who are we on the road to Calvary? Are we a bystander? Are we the one who mocks? Are we the soldiers? Are we the sorrowful women? Are we Simon the Cyrenian? Are we Pilate? Are we one of those who stood near the cross? Are we Joseph of Arimathea?
We could be any of those, but the one whom we should most identify with is Barabbas. He was the criminal freed from his punishment by the innocent one who took his place. We have been freed from our sins by the death of the Son of God. Whatever became of Barabbas? No one knows. Did he go back to his former way of life? Did he have a conversion experience? Did he encounter the Risen Christ? What do people do who have been freed from eternal punishment do?
We are Barabbas. What will we do having been freed from our sins?
Please see the Holy Week schedule for all of the events of the week. Please note that on Thursday April 6th there is no morning Mass, no adoration, no confessions. Please join us for the Sacred Triduum beginning at 7 PM with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper followed by adoration until midnight. On Good Friday April 7th, there is no morning Mass. However, you are invited to the Stations of the Cross at 12:30 PM followed by the Liturgy of Good Friday at 1:30 PM. On Holy Saturday, April 8th we will bless the Easter baskets at 12 noon and the evening Mass of Easter Vigil begins at 8:30 PM outside the main entrance. (There is no 4:30 PM Mass on Saturday). On Easter Sunday Masses will occur at 7:45, 9:45, and 11:45 AM.
Thank you to all who participated in our Family of Parishes “Love Never Fails” events including the Desert Angels donations for our military personnel; the contemporary Stations of the Cross, and the Easter Egg hunts. Thank you especially to those who planned the events and worked behind the scenes with set-up and execution.
On Wednesday, April 5th at 8:00 PM there is a concert at the Guido Performing Arts center in Dearborn
