Dear friends in Christ, as we enter Holy Week on this Palm Sunday, the sacred liturgy places before us both the joyful entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the sobering reality of His Passion. In the prophet Isaiah, we encounter the Suffering Servant, one who listens for God’s voice and remains steadfast even in the face of suffering-“I have set my face like flint,” a reminder that true discipleship requires courage and trust. In the Gospel, we first join the crowds crying “Hosanna,” welcoming Jesus as king, yet we quickly see how fragile that praise can be as the narrative turns to betrayal, abandonment, and the Cross.
This same tension lives within our own hearts: We long to follow Christ, yet we struggle when the path leads through sacrifice. Palm Sunday invites us not to be fair-weather disciples, but to walk with Jesus all the way to the Cross, and ultimately to the empty tomb. Let us ask for the grace this week to remain faithful, to listen as He listened, and to trust that even in suffering, God’s plan of salvation is unfolding before us. Let us embrace that suffering joyfully.
I urge you this week to take the opportunity to come to the extra liturgies for Holy Week. Come to the Chrism Mass in Springfield at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 6:30 p.m. This is where Bishop Paprocki blesses and consecrates the oils used in the sacraments throughout the year in the entire diocese. It is also where the priests renew their promises to the Bishop and the Church. It is one of the most unique and beautiful liturgies of the year.
Join us at St. Francis Solanus at 5:30 p.m. for Mass on “Spy Wednesday,” 7:00 p.m. Mass on Holy Thursday, Adoration from the end of Mass until Midnight where we pray Night Prayer; 3 p.m. Liturgy for Good Friday, 5:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross Good Friday; 8:00 p.m. for the Easter Vigil, my favorite liturgy of the year and it counts for Easter Sunday, and then 7 a.m., 9 a.m., and 11 a.m. on Easter Sunday. These opportunities are some of the most awesome moments in the life of the Church. If you and your children haven’t had the experience, I urge you, please join us.
Father Arisman