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Online GivingOne of the most comforting parts of the Passion story for me is the agony in the garden. That might sound odd, considering how the disciples fall asleep while Jesus is in distress. I can identify with them as they show weakness when Jesus needed strength. But I am really comforted by Jesus’ words. If the Son of God had to tell himself and his Father, “not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39), I should be able to say the same. There are times when I would much rather have things always go my way, but that is not going to happen. So, it’s comforting to know that Jesus did not take the easy way out but accepted the Father’s will that he should suffer and die.
Whenever we say the Lord’s Prayer we pray, “Thy will be done.” But how often do we still take the easy way out? Ever hear someone tell a lie or spread gossip that hurts a person’s reputation? We can choose to do nothing (the easy way) or gently reproach the other with a simple question, “What would Jesus do?” When I have a chance to help someone in need, do I tell myself it’s none of my business, or do I ask if there is anything I can do? When I am hurt by the death of a loved one, or am injured in an accident, do I get angry at God for letting this happen, or do I say with Jesus, “Not my will, but yours be done”?
Luke’s Gospel ends the temptation of Jesus in the desert with the phrase, “When the devil had finished every test, he left him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). That time came in the garden, and again Jesus had the last word, choosing to do his Father’s will. Our temptations continue every day as we face frustrations, desire for things we can’t have, unanswered prayers, or our own weaknesses. Even though we know God always does what is best for us when we would rather have what we think is best, at least remember to say, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
-Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Most Christians today receive a bunch of palm fronds, olive branches, pussy willow, or forsythia to take home in blessing. Some even offer sprigs of palm or other branches as a gesture of peace to those they have offended. The desire is to make a clean sweep of our spiritual house before the Easter feast.
Accepting the branch is a token of the bearer’s willingness to journey with the Church through a grateful remembrance of Jesus Christ’s passion, death, and life‑giving resurrection. Traditionally, the plants associated with today’s feast are a sign of Christ’s victory over death and the promise of new life.
The joy of this day soon gives way to a solemn reading of the Passion, according to Matthew. The ritual is meant not only to strengthen us to hear this account, but to stir us up to accompany the Church on this journey through Holy Week. It also prepares us for next Sunday’s joyful renewal of our baptismal vows.
—Rev. James Field, Diocesan Publications
April 2nd – SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA (1416-1507)
A witness to miracles from a young age, Francis of Paola later went on to perform many himself. His parents struggled with infertility, so turned to the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi. Their devout prayers bore them a son, whom they named Francis out of gratitude. As an infant, Francis suffered from swollen eyes and was again healed by his namesake. His parents promised him a friary education, where young Francis voluntarily abstained from meat, practiced solitude, and prayed fervently. After a year, he went on a pilgrimage with his parents to Assisi which deepened his devotion. Upon their return, Francis committed to the life of a hermit, first on family property before moving to a remote cave near the sea. A couple others were inspired by his journey and joined him, forming a small hermitage with a chapel. Over several decades, they expanded to a larger church and monastery as more followers joined. They became known as the Minims Friars, minim meaning least, to convey their humility. They valued poverty, chastity, obedience. Francis is said to have performed many miracles: prophetic speaking, food appearing from nothing, casting out demons, and raising the dead. Despite a life of solitude, he was sought out by many, popes and kings even calling on him for counsel. In his old age, Francis returned to complete solitude for three months, before passing on Good Friday—fitting for a life of perpetual Lent. Francis embodied love for God through radical vocation, giving his all in everything he did. While we may not be as radical in our own lives, the same call of love is extended to us today. —Meghan McDonagh, Diocesan Publications