St James Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners,

We begin this Holy Week, the Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, in joy. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he did so in triumph, as a hero would when returning from a victorious battle. What the crowds did not truly realize is that Jesus’ battle was just beginning. More importantly, the battle would look to be lost when he dies on the cross, when instead, this was his victory over sin and death. Therefore, as we hold these palms high and sing hosanas to acclaim our king, we do so not only with heaviness in our hearts for Jesus’ suffering and death, but with joy as well, for it is on the cross that Jesus redeems us from our sins.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asks his disciples to stay and keep watch while he prays, but repeatedly they fall asleep. After he had first told his disciples that he would be put to death, Jesus said that whoever would follow him must also take up their cross. Sometimes taking up our cross means helping someone whose cross is too heavy to carry themselves. Perhaps it just means accompanying them through a difficult time. This week we will be invited to remain with the Lord and keep watch as we recall this scene. Other times, we may be offered the opportunity to stay and keep watch with someone who needs a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on during times of anxiety or grief. When we do so, let us recall this scene and recognize the Lord in the person who needs our watchful presence.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob