As we begin this Holy Week, the most solemn and important week of the year, we are invited to be fully involved. We should make every effort to participate earnestly in the proclamation of the Gospel of our salvation. We must not listen to the account of the Lord’s Passion as if it were only a retelling of a familiar story. It is meant to be a sacred remembering, or anamnesis, which opens an entry for us into the Paschal Mystery itself. We should ask for the grace to participate in the Passion narrative with our minds and hearts focused on Jesus. We want to be moved by the power of his Love so that we may respond with true devotion.

Because he was perfectly faithful to the Father’s will, he chose to give himself completely for our salvation. Although innocent, he submitted to persecution, insult, torture, and crucifixion. To defeat the tyranny of sin and the fear of death that had enslaved humanity, the Son of God died on the Cross. Even as he suffered his final agony, he cried out to the Father in the words of Psalm 22, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” Because we know that Jesus prayed the Psalms, he knew that Psalm 22 ends with expressions of confidence in God’s victory for the one who suffers for the sake of others. Even the centurion in charge of his execution marveled at this as he said “Truly, this man was the Son of God.” [Mark 15:39]

In his Passion Jesus confronted every evil that afflicts the children of Adam. Mark’s narrative masterfully weaves together examples of our dysfunction. He records the cowardice of Simon Peter, the greed and betrayal of Judas Iscariot, the hatred, pride and dishonesty of the chief priests and the false witnesses, the self-serving and deceitful judgement of Pilate and the violence of the soldiers. He took all this evil on himself as he offered himself in humble submission. Then from the Cross, Jesus poured out his Divine Life for us with extravagant generosity. In his act of perfect Love, he offers us freedom from condemnation and eternal salvation.   

Now if we are moved by the Love our Savior showed as he suffered for us, we must respond. True devotion should not be confined to sadness or mourning, however. A sense of wonder and awe should take hold of us as we gaze on Christ crucified. Our souls must not remain depressed but increasingly filled with joy. God has won the victory over sin and death for us. We must respond with grateful joy. 

The perfect sacrifice of the Son of God was foreshadowed in the Old Covenant by the sacrifice of the Passover lamb. Therefore, as he shared the last Passover meal with his disciples, he chose to give us the eternal memorial of his perfect sacrifice which is the Eucharist. Now, every time we celebrate this Sacrament, it is possible for us to enter the Paschal Mystery and receive the Divine gift of his Love. Through his death and Resurrection, we who believe and trust in his Love receive forgiveness, healing and every grace and blessing. 

OUTDOOR OPTION FOR MASS.

Fr. Robert will celebrate the 9:30 am Mass inside Church on Palm Sunday. Also, the Easter Sunday Masses (9:00 am, 10:30 am and 12 Noon) will be celebrated inside. You may come inside (Covid restrictions continue). Alternatively, you may remain outside in your car with engine off.

These 4 Masses will be Livestream via YouTube.  Speakers will broadcast Mass (weather permitting).

Plan to turn your car Engine off.

Eucharistic Ministers will distribute Communion outdoors.

Ushers will take up a collection. To make a contactless, one-time donation to Holy Cross, visit the parish website (www.hcrosschurch.org) and click on “One-Time Donation.” The link will take you to a Faith Direct option where you can use your credit card and you do not have to enroll.

 

Through His Holy Passion, Our Lord united Himself with all the victims of suffering in this life. None suffer more innocently than children in the womb whose lives are taken by abortion. None suffer more deeply than their mothers, who carry such a burden of guilt and shame.

During the hours of 12 noon and 3 pm, there will be "Stations" set up along the white fence at 10401 Old Georgetown Road, the site of a late term abortion clinic. You are invited to come whenever you might be available to pray for healing for the victims of abortion and for an end to this injustice in our land.  For more information or for a ride call Barbara, 301 704-6682.