The Mass on Palm Sunday, April 10, which commemorated Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, served as an official opening to the Holy Week liturgies. (See photo gallery above.)
After blessing the palms before the 10:30 a.m. livestreamed Mass in the cross aisle of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Bishop Edward Malesic processed to the altar behind the servers, concelebrant Father Don Oleksiak, diocesan vicar general, Deacon John Sferry and Father Sean Ralph, cathedral rector, who served as the bishop’s master of ceremonies.
As is the case on Palm Sunday, the Gospel reading was the story of the Passion of Our Lord.
The bishop noted that he is permitted to give a brief homily after reading the Passion, so he reflected on what Peter might have seen as he looked at Jesus in the courtyard and wept bitterly.
“What did he see in Jesus eyes when he looked at him?” the bishop asked. “I think he saw pure love, which was hard to bear because despite his denial, his friend still loved him. In fact, Jesus was about to go to the cross for him. Isn’t that why we’re all here? Jesus suffered, died and rose, he came back to us,” Bishop Malesic said.
“I hope we all take time to make this week holy,” he said, encouraging the faithful to “stand naked before the Lord. All of us are sinners. We’re not alone. If you let Jesus look upon you and see every one of your sins and dreams, you’ll never be alone again,” he said.
“Open yourselves up to the cross of Jesus. Our knees should bend and our tongues confess that Jesus is the Lord of all,” the bishop said. “Have a blessed Holy Week.”
At the end of Mass, he recognized the Parents of Priests group that was in attendance. Traditionally, the members attend Palm Sunday Mass and then enjoy a social hour with the bishop in the rectory parlor.
“Thank you for sharing your sons with us and for understanding how busy they will be this week,” he said.
The bishop also asked the faithful to pray for the people of Ukraine as they continue to suffer.
“Let us move forward from this Passion to Holy Week and Easter,” said, encouraging everyone to attend the Holy Week liturgies, which he called “beautiful and moving.”