ACROSS the world, we unite in songs of praise and carry branches of olive and of palm amid hymns of welcome and of love. The Redeemer comes anew to His beloved city of Jerusalem, and to us, to celebrate the Solemn Passover Festival of sacred memories and of everlasting Hope.
For us, chains are broken, our slavery is ended so that we now can walk in the freedom with which Christ has made us free. We open the Scriptures with hearts made new. We enter Holy Week in reverence, in gratitude, and in love. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest . . . The Gospel summons with the compelling power of Eternal Truth. Greater love than this no one has...
How tragic to exclude ourselves from the saving grace of these most holy days! We move as pilgrims of the heart, and the spirit leads us. Bethany, where glad Hosannas echo on the perfumed air of springtime. The Upper Room, with its memories of redeeming love and of trust betrayed. The farewell gift of Eucharist, of pardon and of peace. Christ's prayer in the fragrant olive garden beneath the Paschal moon . . . the Judas kiss. The bloodstained path to Golgotha. Calvary's Hill of our Redemption, and the prayer that saves us all: Father forgive them. for they know not what they do."
Our lips have often uttered the words that speak the story of salvation. This week we walk close to Mary's Son, the Lamb of God. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was Crucified, died and was buried.
He rose again on the third day. We pray that in the radiant springtime of grace, we may come to a deep heart.
Our island home is filled with noises. Many strident voices hostile to the Gospel assail our ears. Wondrous good example of conversion, of reparation, of love, of astounding pardon, and of creative peace surround us. May we not be akin to sleeping giants with countless gifts of God, like uncashed cheques, rejected and unused. Palm and olive branch Scripture word and saving sacrament summon us to awaken now, and, in a life made new, to return love for love.
Many walk the pilgrim way in darkness and in pain. Christ of the Calvary Road is close to support us every step of the way. And, even in our most sombre hours, from the empty tomb eternal light will shine to guide us safely home.
My days are few, O fail not,
With Thine immortal power,
To hold me that I quail not,
In death's most sacred hour.
That I may go befriended
And see in my last strife
To me Thine arm extended
Upon the Cross of Life.
(From the Salve Caput hymn of 1240 AD)
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit! F. MacN.