Palm Sunday always seems to move so quickly. We start by acclaiming Jesus with loud shouts of praise. Hosanna to the son of David! Like the people in Jerusalem 2000 years ago, we wave our palm branches and welcome Jesus into our city. But then we quickly turn to read about betrayal, denial, torture, crucifixion, and death. In just a matter of about 20 minutes from when we started, Jesus is now dead in the tomb. It seems to go so quickly.
But today is just the start of Holy Week, a sort of “overview” of what’s to come. The word “holy” means “set apart.” This upcoming week should be set apart in our families. It’s not like any other week. Beginning Thursday evening, we celebrate the three holiest days of the year, the Sacred Triduum. We follow Jesus from the quiet of the upper room and last supper to the garden of Gethsemane. We see him tried and unjustly condemned. We solemnly commemorate his death for us on Good Friday. These are the most important events in the history of the world. These days are truly holy.
Finally, after night has fallen on Saturday evening, we gather as the Church throughout the world. We gather as Christians have done since that first Holy Saturday night, and we keep watch. Plan to attend these beautiful celebrations this week. Truly make this a week “set apart.” Unlike the first disciples, we know what is going to happen this week. If we faithfully commemorate the Lord’s suffering and death, we know what we will celebrate next Saturday night.