Jesus Is Among Us!

Homily 03 24 2013
Palm Sunday

 
Homily 03 24 2013
Palm Sunday - C

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This last week has witnessed a great shift in style for the papacy. The newly elected Pope Francis has charmed the hearts of so many by his simplicity, his kindness, and his very approachable style.

 

After Mass on Sunday at the parish church of Vatican City, traditionally attended by employees of the Vatican, Pope Francis stood at the door and greeted members of the congregation as they left the building.

During his homily on Sunday the pope spoke of God's mercy. He said that it is not God who holds back mercy, but rather that we ourselves neglect to request it.

At the Mass on Tuesday that inaugurated his Petrine ministry, Pope Francis spoke of the "vocation of being a protector" and that this activity is rooted in being human.

He also said that caring and protecting demand goodness and tenderness.

The pope described St. Joseph as a man of great tenderness, and someone whom we should desire to emulate because tenderness "is not the virtue of the weak but rather a sign of strength of spirit and a capacity for concern, for compassion, for genuine openness to others, for love."

In some ways these are heady days for us Catholics. Newspapers, along with radio and television, are filled with images and words of the pope and reactions to the election of this man from Argentina.

So many good things are being said about him, and expectations are so high. It's almost a little bit like the Palm Sunday excitement with which the crowds welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem.

The beauty of Palm Sunday is that we get the whole story at once.

We hear about the jubilation as Jesus enter the city, and following the ancient Roman tradition, we hear the Passion of Christ proclaimed on the Sunday before we celebrate the Resurrection.

As often as we hear the tale, we can't help but be moved by what Jesus did for us.

"He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave...he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even unto death on the cross. (Credit to Wednesday Morning Connection)

We enter into Holy Week today.

May each of us walk with the Lord and continue a process of conversion!

jjl

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