With renovations ongoing at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Holy Week commenced with Palm Sunday Mass, celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in the cathedral’s Burke Hall March 24.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge reminded parishioners and guests who stood lining the walls that we are much like those who turned their back on Christ in the Gospel of Mark 14:1-15:47.
“It was very unsettling for all of us, I am sure, as we spoke the words of those in the crowd in today’s Passion that revealed their turning against Jesus,” said Bishop Burbidge. “We know that in our own lives we have done the same, including the times we have abandoned him and all that he taught us. Our Lenten season has invited us to repent and to renew our commitment to follow the Lord, the One who died for our sins and shows us the path to new life.”
“As the Bishop said, Christ entered into the holy city and all recognized him as the savior, the Messiah,” said cathedral parishioner Deron Rupp. “But then as life’s troubles and doubts and challenges confront you, they turn on him, leading to his passion.”
But as Holy Week directs us to acknowledge our sin and to offer repentance, Bishop Burbidge exhorted all in attendance to, “Separate yourself from the crowd and the worldly way of living and promise anew to embrace the Lord’s call to do what is holy, pure, good, and just, even, if like the Lord, others turn against you,” he said. “If you are going to walk with Jesus this holy week, then you must leave the crowd and speak to Jesus not with words that are angry and harsh, but words that renew your promise to love him with all your mind, heart, and soul.”
It was cold outside, but spring colors were blossoming around the cathedral, and parishioner Evita Salles stopped to take it all in: “Palm Sunday means renewal. We come into spring and that means Jesus is coming again,” she said. “It’s all excitement and joy.”
