Given for Palm Sunday Mass on 13 April 2025 at Westminster Cathedral.
Today we begin our journey through Holy Week, following in the footsteps of our Blessed Lord. As we do so let me say this:
During the days of these sacred ceremonies, keep your eyes focused clearly on the Lord. Have eyes only for Jesus. That is my urging to you. Follow him with your mind and heart. He will teach and reward you as you do so. He is Way and Truth and Life.
Today we see him hailed by the people. They shout Hosanna. We have been part of it, the procession into Jerusalem - glory, acclaim, success.
We all love success and some acclaim. We are built for glory.
But today, with eyes on Jesus, we learn that the glory for which we are made, for which we long, does not come with human accolades. Shouts of 'Hosanna' turn to 'Crucify him'. Jesus is teaching us that lasting glory comes from his Father who longs to give us a share in his everlasting glory. This is the glory for which we have been created. This is the destiny in which we find fulfilment.
On Ash Wednesday we were reminded that we are dust. But we are dust made for glory, the glory of life with the Father in the fulness of heaven. Here we realise that being Pilgrims into Hope means we are journeying to heaven. If we keep our eyes on him, Jesus will teach us the way, step by step, through this Holy week.
Keep your eyes on him. He has a so much to give to each of us. Stay close to him and he will lead you home.
Image: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk