Hundreds of faithful picked up palms as they entered the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for Mass on Palm Sunday.
Celebrating the liturgy was Bishop Edward Malesic, assisted by Deacon Matt Lawler. Father Joe Mamich, cathedral pastor, served as the bishop’s master of ceremonies.
The traditional blessing of palms was followed by Mass and a homily by the bishop. Among the attendees were members of the diocesan Parents of Priests group, who were acknowledged by the bishop.
“We begin with great joy and expectation,” Bishop Malesic said, referring to Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
(See photo gallery above.)
However, he said soon things will take a dark turn during Holy Week as Jesus is betrayed, arrested, beaten and crucified.
“He takes our sin, our humanness, our brokenness upon himself … We’ve all been part of that fickle crowd,” he said, referring to those who mocked and jeered at Jesus. Sometimes, we turn away from him with our actions.
“But, we’re still here … We believe in him and he has drawn us to himself, to his cross … He outstretched his arms on the cross not in defeat, but to embrace us. He gives himself to us again here with the same blood that was shed on the cross,” Bishop Malesic said.
He told the congregation that the upcoming Holy Week is different as he encouraged then to walk with Jesus. On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the gift of the Eucharist. On Good Friday, we walk with Jesus to the cross and then on to Easter.
“I guarantee the journey is worth it – an eternal Easter,” he said.