Introduction
Dear friends,
All day long we have been walking in truth. You who are parishioners at St. Casimir’s may have spent the day going about your weekend errands, dipping into the “job jar”, or engaging in a bit of March madness. Whatever you’ve done today, you’ve done as a disciple of Lord. With the help of God’s grace, you’ve tried to walk in truth.
And you see all around you here at St. Casimir’s young people from all parts of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. We too have been walking in truth. We have walked the streets of Baltimore in witness to Jesus who is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Along the way we have listened to God’s Word proclaimed in the Scriptures; we have taken part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation; and we have adored the true Body and Blood of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. We have enjoyed one another’s company; talked things over; enjoyed a concert and took part in the living Stations of the Cross. And now, our journey, our walk in truth, has led us here to St. Casimir’s. It is good that we are here.
Taking the Next Step
Together we will now take the next step as we continue walking in truth. Moments ago we heard how Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph. In a deeply spiritual sense, we joined those who walked along with Jesus as the crowds greeted him like a hero, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David.” But because we were walking in truth, we did not greet Jesus as a mere celebrity. When we held up our palm branches to be blessed, we acknowledged Jesus to our Lord and Redeemer and resolved to walk with Jesus the whole length of his journey, long after the cheering stopped and the jeering started.
Then we listened to the Gospel account of Jesus’ passion and death. Again, in a deeply spiritual way, we were united with Jesus as he walked the way of the Cross, on his way to Golgotha. In witnessing his sufferings, we understood how truly our sins have wounded him. In witnessing his death on the Cross, we understood how deeply he loves us. We have walked in truth and it has let us to the summit of the Lord’ Cross.
But there is yet another step to take, a step we need to take not just today or tomorrow but every Sunday. In this Mass we will truly celebrate and enter into Jesus gift of himself on the Cross. All time is God’s time, so when are at Mass what Jesus said and did to save us becomes present, real, and alive, so that it can become a part of your life and my life. So if we want to be the disciples of Jesus and walk with him in truth, our journey every week has to lead us to Mass. This is where we encounter and receive the Lord who is “the way the truth, and the life.”
I wish you a blessed Holy Week and a happy Easter. May we walk with the Lord and one another and so lead many to experience the joy of knowing and loving the Lord as members of his Church. God bless you and keep you always in His love!