Palm Sunday and Holy Week Reflections

04-13-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

Palm Sunday is always a special day for us as Catholics. There is something about receiving palm branches, waving them high as we sing Hosanna that helps us enter into the mystery of Holy Week and Easter. “Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna on high” we proclaim as a people and join in the cry of the people of long ago as Jesus made is triumphant entrance into the city of Jerusalem. He was lauded as one who would liberate and save them – they were tired and oppressed. The cry of Hosanna – means please save us. A beautiful cry for us even today – Lord, Jesus please save us!

From our faults, weaknesses, temptations and sins. It will be through the saving action of the Cross that we will be saved. The meaning of the Cross will change forever because of God’s saving action by the gift of the Son. On the Cross we witness the supreme action of love. We can rejoice that we are saved in Him.

The shouts of Hosanna turn quickly to Crucify Him, Crucify Him, as we enter into the passion. It reminds us of how fickle we can become if not grounded in God’s love and His ways. If we are looking for the easy way or one of overpowering force, we will be quick to turn when we are asked to live in Godly ways of kindness and love. The tension between good and evil play out in Holy Week and the Good God, wins through humility, peace and gentleness. It is in this manner that He forgives on the Cross before He hands over His spirit. Not screaming from the Cross all that is wrong with the world, but rather offering Himself and forgiving us.

Holy Week is a special week for us as Catholics. Our time of Lent; prayer, fasting and almsgiving is coming to an end as we approach the epic moment in time that we are saved. Check the center page of the bulletin for more details about Holy Week and all the liturgies that move us at the core of our being as we realize the great mystery of God’s love. Come encounter that love and be together as people who rejoice we have a Savior.

Remember that everyone comes home for Easter so our Church and parking lot will be full. We will have extra parking at the High School just to the North of us. As an act of hospitality, arrive early and take the walk or ride the bus from the school, making room for those who have a hard time walking. We are grateful that God touches hearts on this day and calls them to celebrate Easter. We pray that the encounter they have with God and with our welcoming faith community will inspire them to be part of our shared life in Christ. Let us all be witnesses of hope, love and goodness.

These final days that approach Easter are special. I hope you have had time to slow down in Lent, taken time for extra prayer, found ways to serve and sacrifice in some way. Lent is meant to be a time to open our hearts to the tender mercy of God so He can soften our hearts and renew them in His love. I pray this Holy Week will help you to fully live in freedom and joy as people of faith in our world.

Palm Sunday and Holy Week Blessings,
Fr. Fred