Holding on to Palms

It's Palm Sunday, the start to Holy Week and its hard to believe as this Lenten season has gone by pretty quickly. Today we received palms as a symbol of the celebration of Jesus coming into Jerusalem and proclaiming that He is the Messiah. The week has a quick turn of events as we know with the Last Supper and capturing of Jesus on Holy Thursday, Jesus' carrying of the cross, crucifixion and death on Good Friday, mourning on Holy Saturday and the Resurrection on Easter.

The priest reflection at Mass today highlighted the point of the palm and the crucifix go hand and hand and can nicely fit with one another. I have put my palm branch through the cross with Jesus on it as it sets a remembrance of Jesus' victory and triumph over death. Yesterday, while praying at 40 days for the vigil, I had always noticed the big palm tree hanging over the side walk and it has brought a good amount of shade in the heat. But I realized the symbolism with it with today being Palm Sunday and yesterday being the last day of prayer for 40 days during this Lenten season. Jesus journeyed into Jerusalem with all praising him and the devout pro-lifers have been on this journey throughout Lent praying to end abortion, convert hearts and minds and have Planned Parenthood close down. Jesus had palms overhanging and waving over him while riding on his donkey, and we too have the palms hanging over us and giving us the symbol of life and victory over the culture of death.

I couldn't help but think of our own journeys in life, and not forgetting that God is with us every step of the way. I had really good quality time with my dear sister yesterday and God met us in a pizza parlor talking about things that are particularly difficult and challenging in our lives at the moment. A little over a year ago, I felt so unfamiliar with my sister and her husband's new place and had missed their old apartment and scenery, and the newness and unfamiliarity was uncomfortable not to mention all the other changes and uncertainties I was facing at that time. But wherever my sister is, that is home and I know that God is right there with us too, embracing us, encouraging us, and guiding us on our walk of faith and journey of life.

As I was driving home, the road was clear and dark and I could only imagine that God is walking ahead leading the way. I was listening to a Catholic Radio program and it was exactly what I needed to hear. I felt encouraged and enlightened listening to the words of God has a plan for our lives and has reasons for our suffering in that something good will always come of it and we have to trust Him through it. He will never abandon us and loves us deeply. This has encouraged more to walk with Jesus even more closely, especially during this time of Holy Week. To walk with Him in suffering, uncertainty, joys and worries and to know that he has conquered the world. Happy Holy Week, and may we be brought closer to Him.