“Today, in the tragedy of a pandemic, in the face of the many false securities that have now crumbled, in the face of so many hopes betrayed, in the sense of abandonment that weighs upon our hearts, Jesus says to each one of us, ‘Courage, open your heart to my love. You will feel the consolation of God who sustains you,'” Pope Francis said.
“We are encouraging people to place a green branch outside their house or apartment door — maybe a pine bow, a leaf of a house plant, anything green — as a sign of welcome to our Lord, as well as giving honor to him on this day,” Father LeRoy Scheierl said.
Scripture readings guide the faithful through Holy Week.
“If you knew you were going to die, what would it mean to die with dignity?”
We are asked to witness Christ, not only in inward hidden ways but also publicly with the way we live.
Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass with thousands of young people, Pope Francis urged them to continue singing and shouting “hosanna” in the world, proclaiming the lordship of Jesus and following his example of outreach to the poor and suffering.
The Palm Sunday cry of Christians, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” was heard many centuries ago in Jerusalem’s streets. It still is heard today.
It was grueling. It was long. It was exhausting. But it’s over. The annual Meire Grove Church Supper is in the books for another year.
