Beloved Family:
As you reach the heart of this message, you may be inclined to ask: “What about Easter? This is Easter! Why is Fr. Stephen ‘stuck back in Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion’?” Certainly, we must not fail to rejoice and raise mighty “ALLELUIAS” on this Solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection—the pattern for our resurrection. However, I believe that Pope Leo’s message for Palm Sunday is vital for us to dwell with, precisely in order to grasp more fully the message of Jesus’ victory over sin and death—and the “how” of His victory.
Addressing those gathered in Saint Peter Square, and all people of good will throughout the world, Pope Leo has this to say:
We turn our gaze to Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms around him. He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence. He offers himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs. He is the light of the world, though darkness is about to engulf the earth. He came to bring life, even as plans unfold to condemn him to death.
King of Peace. Jesus’ desire is to bring the world into the Father’s arms, tearing down every barrier that separates us from God and from our neighbor, for “He is our peace” (Eph 2:14)
King of Peace. When one of his disciples drew his sword to defend him and struck the high priest’s servant, Jesus immediately stopped him, saying: “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Mt 26:52).
As we set our gaze upon him who was crucified for us, we can see a crucified humanity. In his wounds, we see the hurts of so many women and men today. In his last cry to the Father, we hear the weeping of those who are crushed, who have no hope, who are sick and who are alone. Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.
Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from his cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!
In the words of the Servant of God, Bishop Tonino Bello, I would like to entrust this cry to Mary Most Holy, who stands beneath the cross of her Son and weeps also at the feet of those who are crucified today:
“Holy Mary, woman of the third day, grant us the certainty that, in spite of all, death will no longer hold sway over us; that the injustices of peoples are numbered; that the flashes of war are fading into the twilight; that the sufferings of the poor are breathing their last. And grant, finally, that the tears of all the victims of violence and pain will soon be dried up like frost beneath the spring sun” (Maria, donna dei nostri giorni).
Homily of Pope Leo, Sunday, 29 March 2026
On behalf of Fr. David, Deacon Bob, Deacon Nathan, and the amazing team who support me day by day and contribute to the vitality of the parish of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, not just on the big occasions and the major feasts, but throughout the days and throughout the weeks and months of all the years, I extend to you and your families hopes and prayers for an intensely joyful Easter season, rooted in the renewal of our Baptismal promises and our pledge to be instruments of peace in the hands of the Risen Lord Jesus. Applying the seasonal greeting of our Greek Catholic brothers and sisters:
"Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!"
Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere! (Latin)
Christòs anésti! Alithós anésti! (Greek)
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
