A PROCESSION OF PALMS TODAY PRECEDES THE SOLEMN COMMEMORATION OF THE PASCHAL MYSTERY DURING THIS WEEK.............

Marked by Jesus' acclaimed entrance into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday, the day on which the Lord was greeted with shouts of, "Hosanna in the Highest", we join with crowds in acknowledging His Messiahship.  The Palm branches waved in receiving Him, a sign of triumphal welcome, even though within a matter of days the same Jesus would be disavowed and condemned to die.  This is the opening of Holy Week, the awesome, agonizing, and authentic, pinnacle of the Public Ministry, Passion, Death, and Resurrection, of Jesus The Christ in the Paschal Mystery.  These sacred and solemn days we commemorate are our personal and communal occasion to realize, reaffirm, and renew, our Faith in God's Plan for our Salvation.  Our observance of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum, validates and strengthens our  Discipleship in Jesus The Lord, Who by His Self Sacrifice anf Victory, redeems us and redirects our lives to building up the Coming of God's Kingdom.  So as you clasp the palm branches with which we celebrate this Passion Sunday of Holy Week, think of their true meaning, not merely sentimental symbolism, but the significant sign of Who Jesus Christ truly is and the unconditional willingness as our Savior to surrender his Life, take up the Cross, and suffer and die for Humankind, in order to vanquish sin and death and attain for us, the ultimate triumph - Everlasting Life in the Kingdom of God's Creation.............Fr.  Troy