Homily for Palm Sunday
April 13, 2025
St. Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas
Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22
Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 22:14-23:56
Among the many lessons I learned from the dedicated ministry and vocation of the Franciscan sisters who taught me in grade school was how to prepare each night for death by making an act of perfect contrition. The sisters were clear that preparation for death was not just preparation for an event but was truly preparation to meet Jesus who loved each of us unconditionally as our friend by giving us the gift of life eternal through His death freely offered on the Cross. The sisters wisely instructed us that an “act of contrition is not a magic formula, it is an honest conversation with a friend — Jesus.” She added, “simply speak the name of Jesus in love to Him, with sadness for your sins, confidently say ‘My Jesus, have mercy.’” I have found that these four simple words are helpful for meditating on God’s love and mercy.
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Life on the Chrism Trail 