The Cathedral was packed this morning as people gathered to celebrate Mass for Palm Sunday. Outside Cathedral House, the Gospel account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was read. Everybody was given a palm, which was then blessed and carried in procession into the Cathedral for the start of Mass. The procession invites us to join the Lord as He enters Jerusalem, knowning that He will suffer and die there. Later in the Mass St Matthew's account of Jesus' suffering and death were read.
This 'entry into Jerusalem' invites us to join in the rest of Holy Week. We are not only to witness, but also to take part in the events of the week. On Maundy Thursday at 7:30pm we will celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper, at which we recall how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and how He gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of His suffering and death. On Friday at 3pm, the time of Jesus' death, we will gather in silence, as if at the foot of the cross, to recall the great saving act of Christ's Passion. Finally, on Saturday at 9pm we will gather in darkness, awaiting the resurrection of the Lord and the light that it brings. There is no greater week in the Church's year.
The Cathedral was packed this morning as people gathered to celebrate Mass for Palm Sunday. Outside Cathedral House, the Gospel account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was read. Everybody was given a palm, which was then blessed and carried in procession into the Cathedral for the start of Mass. The procession invites us to join the Lord as He enters Jerusalem, knowning that He will suffer and die there. Later in the Mass St Matthew's account of Jesus' suffering and death were read.
This 'entry into Jerusalem' invites us to join in the rest of Holy Week. We are not only to witness, but also to take part in the events of the week. On Maundy Thursday at 7:30pm we will celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper, at which we recall how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and how He gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of His suffering and death. On Friday at 3pm, the time of Jesus' death, we will gather in silence, as if at the foot of the cross, to recall the great saving act of Christ's Passion. Finally, on Saturday at 9pm we will gather in darkness, awaiting the resurrection of the Lord and the light that it brings. There is no greater week in the Church's year.
