Passion (Palm) Sunday

How do you find living in an enforced fast from the sacraments? The Jews in exile from their Temple, in the Prayer of Azariah, prayed:

"For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation,

brought low everywhere in the world this day

because of our sins. We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader,

no burnt offering, sacrifice, oblation, or incense,

no place to offer first fruits, to find favour with you.

But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received;

As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bulls,

or tens of thousands of fat lambs,

So let our sacrifice be in your presence today and find favour before you;

for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame.

And now we follow you with our whole heart, we fear you and we seek your face.

Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.

Deliver us in accord with your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord." (Dan 3: 38-43)

Let us use this time in lock-down as an opportunity to re-discover the role and importance of the sacraments in our lives. In this we can identify more closely with the sufferings of our ancestors as well as, ultimately, with their joy: "Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" (Mtt 21: 9)