Palm Sunday - branches waving in the breeze - singular thin strips of green palm branches - multiples grouped together - in some places - entire palms - tightly gripped by - children - adults - people of all ages - genders - mixed ethnicities - Christians - around the World - celebrating the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem - at Holy Mass - sprinkled - blessed - during the entrance rite. I have visited Jerusalem three times - never greeted with a single palm - rather very much like entering any city one might visit - except for the sidewalk vendors offering their wares - 3 for $1 - 12 for $5 - typical tourist hustle. People - buildings - vehicles - some noise - often congestion - feeling slightly disorientated - trying to assume some balance of ones surroundings. Jerusalem - Holy Ground - walking in the steps of Jesus - Himself. One experience - everyone should have - if possible - connecting to our roots.
For the past five weeks we have been walking in the desert with Jesus - trying to navigate the various roadways that is Lent - praying - meditating - spending time alone with God - seeking holiness. This is our last hurrah - the final week- three more days until Lent ends - the Triduum begins - the three holiest days on the Christian calendar - then - Easter - the golden ring at the end of our journey. At this time - not much left to do - except - pray - Adore - focus - our hearts - minds - on Jesus. Our Lord's entrance into Jerusalem - the beginning of our entrance - into New Life. Our journey - started over two thousand years ago - with Jesus leading the way. Now it is up to us - how to make the best use of our time this week - leading to celebrating with Jesus - His Easter Victory.
Deacon Dale
