Dear Parishioners,
Today we begin with Palm Sunday, the remembrance of the wondrous events of Holy Week. We remember all that happened so long ago. But if these events were only relegated to the past, something that happened to people long gone in a place that no longer exists, remembering would be nice but not particularly significant. This is by far not the case however.
What happened in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago led to an eruption of energy that continues to reverberate today. The crucifixion of Christ and his glorious resurrection broke open the movement of God that significantly touches us today. Our lives were present in that terrible suffering of Christ. The mercy displayed in the love of God by the suffering of his Son continues to touch us. The powerful truth of the events of Holy week do not fade over time. God is constant in his love and mercy, and these do not come and go with the passing of time.
The world changed those days in Jerusalem, and our lives were formed in many ways by those events. The purpose of our lives, the way we relate to one another, the importance of our families, how we look at our gifts, the liturgies we celebrate, our relationship with the living God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—all find their source in those ancient moments of profound significance. Christ endured pain and sorrow, betrayal and trial, adulation and mockery. Yet he spoke to us through those events clearly and with a strong voice, saying that his life was in service to ours, and our lives were to be for him and each other. He showed us how to be church and to be a community. He showed us what service, sacrifice, and love is. Let us be open this week to all these sacred lessons.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
