Palm Sunday, March 24, 2002:

Father Owen's Homilies

Homily Notes for Holy Week 2002

Palm Sunday, March 24, 2002

There is an Easter Greeting at the bottom of the Bulletin. I would like you to read it carefully. Please give particular attention to the words “plunge deeply into the life of Jesus.” That descent is what we are beginning with this Palm Sunday Service.

Today we re-enact in the Liturgy the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. He is hailed as the King.

Thursday we meet Jesus still in the city. We meet Jesus, and the apostles in the upper room for the Last Supper. He is reluctant to leave us and so remains with us as bread and wine. He washes the feet of the apostles.

Friday we meet Jesus going out of Jerusalem to die for us as though personally on the Hill of Calvary. We are with him as he feels abandonment.

Saturday we keep watch. After hearing our salvation history in the Old Testament readings we celebrate the Rising from the Dead.

Easter Sunday we celebrate the Morning Mass. This is a Thanksgiving for the mysteries we have celebrated all week. That is, the saving life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. So now we begin our procession in body, mind, and heart.