A Pilgrim's Journey: Entering Holy Week

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Entering Holy Week

The first day of this holiest of all weeks is the Second Sunday of the Passion, also known as Palm Sunday. We begin by commemorating the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, and He is seated on a donkey. This wasn’t just a sign of humility, but it was also a sign of peace.

In ancient times, when a king rode upon a horse, it was a sign that he was entering into battle; but if a king wanted to show that he was coming in peace, he would ride upon a donkey. Jesus did this to show the true nature of the Messiah. The Jews had the mistaken idea that the Messiah would come as a great military leader who would lead them in battle against worldly powers, restoring their nation to a place of military prominence.

But Jesus came with a different message. He teaches us that the Messiah is actually one who comes to lead God’s people in a different kind of battle - a battle against sin and wickedness, a battle to conquer satan, and a battle to restore our relationship with God.

This Holy Week gives us exactly that opportunity – to grow closer to Christ, so that we’re prepared to take part in the blessing of His great resurrection.

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Painting: "Entry Into Jerusalem"

by H. Siddons Mowbray(1858-1928)

Meeting Pope St. John Paul II

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."