Today is Palm Sunday, when we start Mass with hearing about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and later, in the same Mass, we read the gospel where we hear about Jesus’ crucifixion. These two events act like bookends on the last week of Jesus’ life. The fact that they are condensed into one liturgy acts as a reminder for us of what is to come, and acts like a preview that we have become so familiar with from going to the movies. We aren’t seeing the entire story, just some of the important parts. Let me take the opportunity to flesh out, and reflect upon, a bit more of what happens during Holy Week. This special week, when we remember and celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus – which is called the Paschal Mystery.
As I said earlier, Palm Sunday features both the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem amid the waving palms and positive reception, and ends with the story of his crucifixion. As he enters, the crowd treats him like a hero, and in the end they treat him like a criminal. I can ask myself, “Do I have times when I am too quick in forming an opinion about others? Do I let the crowd sway my opinion of others?”
On Holy Thursday we celebrate the gift of the Last Supper. Right before being taken captive, Jesus celebrates Passover with his disciples, starting the evening by washing the disciples’ feet. He is teaching them that leadership that follows his example demands serving others. He also goes further by giving them, and us, the gift of himself in the Eucharist. That gift of self is a profound mystery. The bread and wine become Jesus’ Body and Blood every time we celebrate Mass, just as they did at that meal with his disciples. As we remember, we can ask ourselves if we fully appreciate the gift of the Eucharist. If we want to grow in our appreciation, we can take that desire to prayer. Remembering this night, we can also ask ourselves if we serve others, and love as we should.
On Good Friday, we recall Jesus’ death on the cross. It is a very somber day, for good reason. There are many ways we can commemorate the day. We can hear the story of the crucifixion, along with veneration of the cross, or we can attend a Stations of the Cross prayer service. One item of note, any Eucharist that is distributed on Good Friday would have been consecrated at the Mass on Holy Thursday. No consecrations are to take place on this, the most subdued day of the year. As you think of this day, and Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins, do you have a difficult time appreciating that Jesus’ sacrifice is, indeed, for your own sins? Have you thought about the fact that heaven is a possibility for each of us because of that sacrifice? We can ask ourselves if we are filled with a level of appreciation that matches the gift!
Finally, we are brought to Easter Sunday, the most important day of the entire year. Easter is the day that we hear about Jesus’ resurrection! The absolute reality of Jesus rising from the dead… upon which our faith rests! The darkness of Good Friday is broken with the bright light and joy of the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. If you haven’t attended an Easter Vigil, I encourage you to do so. The liturgy is rich with the story of our salvation, won for us by Jesus. Flowers, candles, and light, along with the “Alleluia” of praise in song, usher in the joy and beauty of Easter. Don’t get me wrong, Easter Sunday Masses are great too! Can we match our mood to the season? I pray that we all can! Have a blessed week.
