Set Apart

Next week, we begin Holy Week. Palm Sunday will mark the beginning of Holy Week with a distinct liturgy. Every year we celebrate Palm Sunday, we carry palms and we have solemn entrances and processions. Take a few minutes and recollect with me these activities of Palm Sunday, when we begin Holy Week.

During Palm Sunday celebrations, the church asks us to gather at a place other than where the Holy Mass will take place if possible. The focus during this time is on the truth the Jesus Christ, son of David is savior and King of Israel. With this gathering we able to commemorate what Jesus did before he gave his life for us. It is not only an act of the memory, but of grace. Jesus walked into Jerusalem, his city, willingly and humbly to save us. At this gathering before we process to the place where Mass will be offered, we are reminded of our Lenten experience and our fresh palms are blessed.

The palms represent the newness of life awaiting us. Having been covered with ashes made from last year’s Palms, we hold fresh palms and can begin to hope for new life. We begin to sense in some way the meaning of rising from ashes. As we bless the palms, we pray:

“Increase the faith of those who place their hope in you, O God, and graciously hear the prayers of those who call on you, that we, who today hold high these branches to hail Christ in his triumph, may bear fruit for you by good works accomplished in him. Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen”.

After the blessing of the Palms with holy water, the Holy Gospel is proclaimed and a brief homily is given. The procession then forms. In some parts of the world, this procession is very elaborate. The song, the branches and the vestments are colorful. Sometimes the procession is very long. Some also use a real donkey to carry the priest in the procession. The effort here is to make the senses come alive.

We are to recognize then we are going to our new Jerusalem the church, where the sacrifice of Calvary is made present. During these festivities, we recognize the beginning of a sacred time and the intensity of worship is called for. It is only six days before the Passover and the Lord has come to Jerusalem for the last time.

I encourage you to recognize this week is called Holy because it is set apart. You too as a Christian are called to keep holy this week by setting yourself apart. This week sets the world apart from the Divine. As you walk into the Church next Sunday holding your blessed Palms, think about the immense love of Jesus has for you. Renew and refresh your faith. Plan to set apart the days ahead for the Lord.

I am always moved and my heart always grows during Holy Week. I will pray for you. I look forward to celebrating Holy Week with you. If you are able to help in any way, please make yourself available to the parish.

Jesus thy Kingdom Come! In my heart through Mary!   ~Fr. Gabriel