Brothers and sisters,

“People of the Cross, we walk in hope. We walk in hope.” This simple chant remained with me throughout this Lenten journey. Well-known for his work in youth ministry, Mark Pacione would lead this chant as the youth processed with the Cross through the streets of Baltimore on Palm Sunday weekend. We hold up the Cross as our sign of victory, not defeat. When we face the struggles and challenges of life, we need to gaze at the Cross. The pain and suffering are real.

Currently, in my life, I am walking with my mother through pancreatic cancer (along with my siblings and family). I am truly blessed to be present with parishioners and families in these most vulnerable days. I am well aware that I am not alone in carrying a cross, as so many of you are struggling with loved ones dealing with diseases and illness, or are you yourself going through health challenges. I know parents who are accompanying sick children. I have been reminded of that helplessness when there seems to be nothing that we can do. We cannot remove pain or heartache. Presence matters, though. Showing up means something. Do not live in regret of the past, but let’s strive to be counted among the disciples who show up at the foot of the cross today. There have been times when I stayed away, telling myself the lie that my presence would make little difference. But it does — and so does yours. Let us choose to show up, even when it is hard, even when we feel helpless, because that is what love looks like at the foot of the Cross.

The prophets are a great source of encouragement and hope. Today, Isaiah acknowledges that God is our help. Even when the world seems cruel or painful, God is victorious. In this spirit, we are the prophets to the world, called to bring comfort or consolation. When defeat seems imminent, we must share the hope of God’s victory. We cannot be afraid to be “People of the Cross.”

In the Catechism, we are taught by St. Clement of Rome, “Let us fix our eyes on Christ’s blood and understand how precious it is to his Father, for, poured out for our salvation, it has brought to the world the grace of repentance.” (CCC §1432). Gazing upon Christ is one way the Lord replaces our hardened, heavy hearts with his Sacred Heart. In particular, we might see Christ on the Cross through the suffering and struggles of our loved ones. Therefore, be not afraid: God is showing us the depths of his love and strengthening us for this same love.

Let us celebrate Holy Week and prepare for Easter by fixing our gaze on Christ. To help with this, I encourage parishioners and families to disrupt the “norm of our life” of busyness and noise. By entering the uncomfortable quiet, we can be with the Lord and with one another.