March 16, 2008 PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY
16 MARCH 2008, 5:15, 8:00, 10:30
READINGS: Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11p Matthew 26:14-27:66
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: The many sentiments of Lent now culminate in the week we begin today, Holy Week.
1. Many years ago the famous American writer, Ernest Hemingway was asked to write a short story using only six words. He agreed. Here’s his story: “For Sale. Baby shoes. Never worn!” He was a master. Yes, he wrote a story – and what a profound story it is in those six words. There is so much that is not said but implied. A lifetime of reflection would not uncover all the meaning of the story of the untimely death of a child. Yet in six short words the meaning, the pathos comes through.
Now, we enter Holy Week. The story of Holy Week can also be told in six words. Here they are: “Palm Sunday. Last Supper. Calvary. Resurrection.” A story in six words – and what a profound story it is in those six words. There is so much that is not said but implied. A lifetime of reflection would not uncover all the meaning of the story of the death of the Son of God. Yet the meaning, the pathos comes through.
2. Dear friends, the ideal way to spend Holy Week is to fly to Israel. Since we cannot do that, our parish church is the Holy Land. Within these walls, we must be creative enough to find Jerusalem, the Upper Room, Gethsemane, Calvary, and the Tomb. Here the story is told again. Here we reflect upon it.
3. Here in this church we will gather again to celebrate the First Eucharist at the Last Supper and to wash the feet of our neighbors. Here in this church we will gather to commemorate the death of Jesus on Calvary where he was obedient to the will of his Father. And, here in this church we will gather
a. to celebrate Christ, the Light of the World;
b. to witness others who make the journey through the tomb of Original Sin to resurrection and new life in baptism;
c. to celebrate Christ’s victory over death and our own victory over sin.
Conclusion: As these holy mysteries of dying and rising are not confined to the Holy Land, neither are they confined to this church. They travel with us to the world outside, to our homes, our schools, our places of work. May God pour out his love to all of us in this week we call Holy!