St. Mary's Basilica
Phoenix, Arizona
Pastor’s Notes
âA God Who sat on a Donkey.â
This will be a Palm Sunday like no other in the lives of most of us. The churches are closed through most of the Western world. On purpose! The distribution of palms is prohibited because of fear of the coronavirus pandemic. Catholics of every ilk are urged to attend the Eucharist through televised or live-streamed services and to go out into their yard (for those who have one) and pick some kind of foliage to wave! It is much like reading a play instead of participating in it, even if the play itself is a symbolic re-enactment! Yet our imaginations can be great resources for our celebration, even if we cannot leave our own homes! Fully conscious and active Catholic imaginations could change the world. This year we have the opportunity to exercise them.
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, equivalent of a “ticker tape parade.” He will leave Jerusalem bearing a cross with jeers and denunciation ringing in his ears. He will “re-enter” Jerusalem in the “upper room” after his resurrection. This is the fundamental structure of the week. Feet will have to be washed in home churches like the early years of our Christian story. The prophet Isaiah will provide some somber background music with his “songs of the suffering servant,” one of which forms the first scripture for today’s Mass. Further in the background, celebrated on Holy Thursday, is the celebration of the Passover meal that commemorates the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. Jesus will give it a new meaning we celebrate at every Eucharist, even if we are unable to do so completely in this terrible time. Our imaginations will be our resource. On Good Friday, we will hear the Passion According to John, but we will need to read it to one another. We will pray for so many, especially those who are victims of the pandemic and their care-givers. We will be asked to find a cross or crucifix in our home and venerate it at the appropriate moment. Some families will celebrate the Stations of the Cross in their homes. Then the church’s ancient tradition of “spiritual communion” will provide us with a unique âsolidarity bondâ with the Lord and his Saints. Even with the resource of a live-streamed ceremony, our imaginations will have to do the work.
On Holy Saturday, we will keep vigil and celebrate the resurrection of the Lord and the gift of new life in baptism that we have all received, and pray for those who desire this and because of the pandemic may have to postpone the action. At least we can light a special candle in our homes and read the “Exultet” hymn of praise in celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection as the friars sing it in our beautiful basilica.
The coronavirus pandemic may keep us physically distant, this year but there are new opportunities for being spiritually connected to one another through this week for considering holy mysteries. God has given us an imagination. The church will provide as much ceremony by internet as possible. Holy Week and Easter are not postponed. We will sing “Hosanna” and ultimately “Alleluia!” in a new voice.
A gentle âHolyâ Week,
Fr. Michael Weldon, OFM
Adapted from Dominican Fr. Richard B. Williamâs reflection on this years Holy Week with Franciscan gratitude. https://www.preacherexchange.com/dailyreflec
Dear Father Michael,
You always touch our spirits and our souls with your words of wisdom and love for your flock. We have attended Mass these past two weeks through the website steaming, much appreciated. And yes, this is a lent and now Holy Week like none of us have ever experienced. Thank you and the staff for all you are doing. We look forward to the day when we can all worship together again in person. We remain well here and pray you and the staff are as well.
Jim Wagner and Bill Prinsen