Holy Week 2024 began with the celebration of Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, including the traditional blessing of the palms and the procession with palms, recounting Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Things took a turn as the Gospel told St. Mark’s account of Jesus’ Passion and Crucifixion.
(See photo gallery above.)
At the beginning of the Gospel, a woman came to the house where Jesus was visiting. She had a jar of expensive perfumed oil that she broke and poured on him. Some criticized her for wasting the expensive oil, saying it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, Jesus told them to leave her alone because she had done a good thing for him.
In his homily, the bishop said the woman’s actions symbolized preparing Jesus for his death.
“Another take on this would be comparing the broken jar of perfume to Jesus’ body being broken for us. The perfume poured out on him is like his blood that was shed for us, that precious liquid flowing out for those he loves,” the bishop said.
“At every Mass, Jesus invites us into the timeless mystery of divine love. If you ever doubt that God loves you, just look at a crucifix. He (Jesus) did that for you. Let’s enter this Holy Week with great devotion and set aside increased time for prayer,” he added.
The bishop explained that tithing (giving) is something familiar and during Holy Week, we should tithe to God. “Set aside additional time to tithe prayer this week. Use it well. Give yourself to Jesus because he has given himself to you. Have a blessed Holy Week.”
He also noted the Parents of Priests of the Diocese of Cleveland attended the Mass and he acknowledged them and their support of the priests and seminarians.