Welcome to Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For me, this year\u2019s Holy Week will be especially different and meaningful, as it is my first time spending Holy Week here in Walsingham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, we welcomed a group of Filipino Catholic faithful who came here to Walsingham on pilgrimage. This is also the first major pilgrimage of the year. We are also expecting the Pilgrim Cross group to arrive this coming Friday. They will be staying with us during the Easter Triduum \u2014 Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is often said that, as we follow Jesus through Holy Week, we are faced with a choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can choose to be bystanders \u2014 part of the crowd, keeping a safe distance. We can shout \u201cHosanna!\u201d enthusiastically on Palm Sunday, and then, just a few days later, cry out even more loudly, \u201cCrucify Him!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or we can choose to be followers \u2014 like Our Lady and Saint John, standing faithfully at the foot of the Cross; like Veronica, who wiped the face of Jesus with her veil; or even like Simon of Cyrene, the foreigner and despised stranger, who helped Jesus to carry His Cross.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am always deeply moved that, amidst all the cruelty and brutality of Holy Week, there are also these small yet heroic moments of kindness, tenderness, and compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How will we follow Jesus? In what ways will we welcome Him \u2014 in our worship, in our homes, and in our hearts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, at times we may betray Him, as Judas did. But will we also accompany Him on His final journey to Jerusalem? Will we remain faithful to Him, or will we abandon Him like so many others?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Will we be bystanders or followers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the challenge of Holy Week. This is our challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wishing you all a blessed Palm Sunday and a grace-filled Holy Week!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Welcome to Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week! For me, this year\u2019s Holy Week will be especially different and meaningful, as it is my first time spending Holy Week here in Walsingham. Today, we welcomed a group of … Continue reading