This may not be the Palm Sunday we anticipated when Lent started 5+ weeks ago. Holy Week is upon us, but we cannot gather in our churches to prevent the spread of a deadly disease. Instead, we must raise our palms together in virtual worship in front of our laptops and TVs. As COVID-19 death tolls continue to rise, it’s hard to sing Hosannas.

But, here’s the thing about Palm Sunday.

At the center of everything is the Cross and love of Jesus Christ. Every lash and nail of suffering He endured for us that we might know His love and be set free.

That is our strength.

“What has the Cross given to those who have gazed upon it and to those who have touched it? What has the Cross left in each one of us? You see, it gives us a treasure that no one else can give: the certainty of the faithful love which God has for us. 

A love so great that it enters into our sin and forgives it, enters into our suffering and gives us the strength to bear it. It is a love which enters into death to conquer it and save us.”  Pope Francis

grace, peace & Palm Sunday strength

Virginia : )

p.s. Yesterday our church hosted a morning “drive through” pick up for palms. As each car drove around the big circle in front our our church, we stopped and received a bag with palms and Holy Week worship aids. Our senior pastor, Msgr. Joe, stood at another stopping place and gave each one of us a blessing.

Never has a blessing meant so much to me!