Following three consecutive days of cold, gray weather, Holy Week began under blue skies and sunshine at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington April 13.
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord commenced outdoors, as Bishop Michael F. Burbidge blessed the palm leaves beneath the statue of St. Thomas More, before sprinkling holy water on those in attendance. Bishop Burbidge then led the procession into the cathedral to the tune of “All Glory, Laud and Honor.”
After the reading of the entire Passion narrative (Lk 22:14-23:56), Bishop Burbidge invited all to put their hope in the Lord, knowing that his love is eternal. “In his Passion, he reminds us that there is nothing we experience here on earth — harsh judgment, ridicule, betrayal, humiliation, physical or emotional suffering — that the Lord has not already endured for our sake,” he said.
Bishop Burbidge challenged all “to avoid this week, constant noise and distractions that surround us and allow time for prayer and for silence,” he said. “Meditate upon his great love for you as you look at the crucifix. Ask Mary, our mother, to accompany you on this path and lead you closer to her son.”
Many took time after Mass to mingle outdoors, enjoying the warm weather and reflecting on the meaning of Holy Week. “For me it’s about entering into a time of understanding who Jesus is to me,” said Thea Bustos. “I’m a teacher and I have this week off, so it’s time to think about how I need to dedicate myself to the Lord.”
“It means a new beginning,” said Christian Amy. “This is time to reflect and start anew and to walk with Christ to Jerusalem, renewing our commitment to Christ and the church.”
“I’m a mom of five children, and life can get very busy for me,” said Regina Bethencourt. “Holy Week is a time to reflect on everything that we’re doing and to hear the voice of Our Lord in the silence of our hearts. The more we can unplug and focus for one week on Our Lord, (it’s) a beautiful thing.”
“This is one of the most important days of the year, as we get ready to celebrate the high, holy days of the Catholic Church,” said Maryann Durso. “Bishop Burbidge absolutely challenged us to do better, to pray with more intensity and to do it with greater love.”
At the conclusion of his homily, Bishop Burbidge said that now is the time to “entrust to him all your particular sufferings, especially the one you are finding to be the heaviest one to carry.
Ask him to increase within you the virtue of hope, especially throughout these sacred days as you take up your cross and follow him.”
