Here we are, it’s Palm Sunday! Our readings remind us of a moment when HOPE entered Jerusalem, not with force, but with humility. Jesus rode a donkey, not a war horse. He came not as a conqueror, but as a peacemaker. The crowd cried out “Hosanna” longing for salvation in a world of injustice and oppression.

In many ways that cry still echoes today. In times when our country feels divided or out of control – whether through political strife, cultural tensions, or economic hardship – we may find ourselves asking, WHERE IS HOPE? WHERE IS PEACE?

Palm Sunday invites us to believe that peace does not always come through power, but through presence. It reminds us that we are all called to be part of the movement toward healing and unity. Not just the leaders, not just the powerful, but each one of US, in both small and profound ways. This isn’t the work of any one group, it is our shared calling. People of every background, belief, and walk of life can take up the palm branch and walk the road of peace, even when it feels hard or uncertain.

I offer two suggestions as we enter Holy Week, a spiritual one and a practical one.

As a spiritual suggestion, commit to a daily moment of prayer or reflection for peace - both personal and national. Ask God to soften your heart, open your mind, and guide your actions with compassion. As we pray for peace in the world, may we become instruments of it in our families, communities and conversations.

As a practical suggestion, try to reach out to someone with whom you disagree politically or socially – not to argue, but TO LISTEN! Whether it is a family member, neighbor, or coworker, seek to understand rather than to convince. Even a single conversation can be a quiet step toward peace.

As we wave our palms in worship, may we also carry their meaning into our everyday lives by choosing humility over pride, presence over performance, and hope over despair. In doing so, we are joining the same path Jesus walked, not toward power, but toward love and peace.

Finally, be sure to check our schedule of services for Holy Week throughout the Oak Park Catholic Community at all four of our worship sites - Ascension, Saint Edmund, Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy and Saint Giles Churches. On these days of Holy Week we celebrate the most important and sacred rituals and liturgies of the year reminding us in both good times and in bad and in times of uncertainty and doubt, that we are loved by God. God is always with us. Have a blessed Holy Week.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Come Holy Spirit, Creator blessed, and in our hearts take up Your rest! Confirmation took place at St. Giles Church this weekend on Saturday!

Congratulations to all who were confirmed and have now promised to live with the Holy Spirit working through them.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena – St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish