“Do this in memory of Me”

Dear Friends,
Palm Sunday begins the most solemn week in the church year. This final week of Jesus’ life and the varying attitudes of the people are vividly portrayed. It is easy to view this week as a walk through history some 2000 years ago. For many years, that is how I looked at the coming week.

Jesus knew His fate as he rode upon a donkey to the shouts and acclamations of the people. Their thoughts as they strew their palm branches, having heard or seen the miracles that He had performed, was the liberator had truly come. Their celebration would, however, be short lived and many of the same people shouting their acclamations would soon be shouting for His death, as their spiritual leaders denounced Him. We can all learn a practical message from Palm Sunday. Do we stand up for Christian principles (eg. against abortion, capital punishment, rights for the poor or the immigrant) when it is “safe” from opposition. Are we silent when it is “politically correct?” How easy is it for many of us to do that today. The crowds of people were for Jesus on Sunday and against Him hours later.

Holy Thursday- The Institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood.

As a youngster, I recall a common practice of visiting seven churches with my mom, dad, sister and grandmother. At that time the side altars, where the Blessed Sacrament was placed after the liturgy, were ornately decorated with dozens of lilies, palms, candelabra – and it seemed that each church tried to outdo the other. Remember, Rhode Island is 67% Catholic and churches were oftentimes just blocks from each other. I still do not know why the practice was to visit 7 churches, but I do recall a priest, on one occasion saying, that he would prefer people staying in one church for an extended period of prayer, rather than running (or driving) from one to another spending just minutes in each one. For me as a priest the words “Do this in memory of Me” hold special meaning. I am reminded that for me it is not enough just to offer Mass or to sit before the Eucharist in Benediction. As priest and shepherd to my people, I must BE the benediction or blessing to my people especially in their moments of hurt and sorrow. For me, I get the “fuel” inside the church through the Eucharist and must live that Eucharist outside the building. And isn’t that where Jesus spent most of his time – out there with the people and their problems. But to be honest, it is oftentimes easier said than done with phones ringing, e-mails, the unexpected knock at my door and administrative duties. “Can I see you for a minute, Father?” is almost never just a minute. A practical meditation for each of us this Holy Thursday: How do I respect and love people outside the church doors? It is so easy to sit and receive the Sacrament of Love inside the church and then go outside and not practice it.

When I was younger, on Good Friday, I would find myself in church between noon and three reflecting on the road to the cross and the crucifixion. I would reflect on the instruments of torture, nails being pounded into Jesus’ hands and feet. But I never seemed to go further than that. Wasn’t it terrible what they did to Jesus, an innocent man? However, as I grew in my spiritual journey I recognize his suffering every time I read Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 25, and the different ways we can be blinded to our brothers and sisters who are suffering today especially in third world countries. I recall the words of Carmelite Father William McNamara in his book, The Art of Being Human: “We commit a thousand murders: the spiritual murders of the vicious word, the cold glance, the smug attitude, gossip, carelessness, callousness, and hatred towards others.” I am reminded of the many innocent men and women who have been executed through capital punishment while most of us remain silent on the issue. And I am reminded of the words Jesus spoke from His cross on that first Good Friday “Father forgive them, they know not what they are doing.” And as a practical reflection some who listen to His words, still keep walls of hatred between themselves and others. Forgiveness is for the other person, not me – for after all she (he) started it.

Yes, this week let your hearts wander back to those biblical days and see the sufferings that Jesus endured for each of us. But don’t stay there. To get the full meaning of this week let us not just look back some two housand years, but look at today and examine our attitudes. How do we stand on Christian values? Are we silent when we ought to speak out? Do we live the sacrament of Love that we will celebrate this Thursday outside the church building – where the real challenge is? As we look at the sufferings of Jesus we might also recall how we oftentimes bring suffering to others by what we do – or do not do? Do we forgive? For it is sin looking within ourselves that we can truly become a resurrected person ourselves on Easter.

My hope and prayer is that we all will experience the true meaning of this week we call Holy. Don’t ignore today as we all look back this week. A blessed and meaningful Holy Week to all.

-Ft. Martin