From the Rector

Dear friends in Christ,

This Sunday is the Sunday Next Before the Passion, when the last six days of our Lenten pilgrimage proceed. We read of Jesus and his disciples in the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, and of the determination of the Pharisees and religious leaders to put both Lazarus and Jesus to death in order to keep the peace.

So, one week from now, we will enter the Holy City of Jerusalem for the Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday. Even now, the road ahead becomes even clearer. Where have the 40 days of Lent brought us? We have set our face, with Jesus, toward Jerusalem, where he will accomplish the very work he came to do.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we are in Bethany, outside of Jerusalem, at the home of Lazarus. A dinner is given in Jesus' honor. Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, kneels to anoint his feet with costly perfume, filling the house with its fragrance—a sign of her love and devotion, but also of the suffering and glory that is soon to befall him. This moment is both an offering and a preparation. The next time we see Jesus' feet, they will bear the weight of the Cross. The movement of this Gospel carries us onward, inexorably, from Bethany to Jerusalem, from table to triumph to suffering. Here is a moment either for his disciples to turn back or to press on.

On Palm Sunday, we will take up this movement in our own bodies. The Blessing and Procession of palms is an ancient tradition, passed down from the early Christians in Jerusalem. As we gather for the Blessing and Procession, we join them in recalling Christ’s entry into the city. This road leads beyond branches of palm and the acclamation, "Hosanna in the highest." The procession foreshadows another way—the Way of the Cross. At the closed door of the church, we'll knock, recalling Christ’s approach to the city that would soon reject him. The triumphal cry of "Hosanna" will give way to the solemn proclamation of his Passion and the call of the crowds gathered in Pilates court to "Crucify him!"

As we step into this final week of preparation, let us go with Christ—through his joys and sorrow, triumph and suffering—ready to follow wherever he leads.

I encourage you, as you are able, to set aside time to attend the liturgies of Holy Week, the heart of our Christian faith and hope, drawing us into the mystery of Christ’s love poured out for us. These holy days root us in the life of the Church from generation to generation, shaping us as disciples. If you make time to be present, you will not regret it.

Yours in Christ,

Peter