Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for March 29, Palm Sunday

Reflection for March 29, Palm Sunday

Jerusalem, my destiny!

 

Siser Elise Cholewinski

JERUSALEM MY DESTINY

City of hosannas. City of the cross. He had fixed His eyes on its hills. Jerusalem, the holy city, the heart of His religion, with the Temple at its center, where God was perceived to dwell among the people more intimately than anywhere on earth. Jesus was approaching the city. He could not turn away. Jerusalem was His destiny.

The time that Jesus spent in the holy city was truly a time of being both victor and victim. He would receive a hero’s welcome and at the same time know that in the crowd were people planning how they would kill Him. He would experience deep friendship with His apostles at that sacred meal, only to have them abandon Him a few hours later. From the Cross He would look down upon the small group who stood there in faithfulness and those who would mock and ridicule Him. City of hosannas. City of the cross. He did not turn away.

“Jerusalem” can be any place or situation where we find the forces of death clashing with the energy of emerging life. It takes courage and a commitment to trust that truth will prevail and life will ultimately break forth. Are our eyes fixed on that holy place? Do we dare turn away?

As we enter into the celebration of Holy Week, maybe we can take time to consider how the Paschal Mystery has been unfolding in our lives. Where do we hear the hosannas being sung? Where does the cross loom up before us?  Do we have the courage, the commitment, and the confidence to continue the journey?

Is Jerusalem our destiny?

9 Comments

Keith
03/26/2026 9:04 am

Very inspiring Reflection Sister Elise. Thank you !!

Sr. Rose Jochmann
03/26/2026 9:32 am

Wonderful reflection and good questions - about the hosannas and crosses in our lives. We all pray for the courage and hope to continue the journey!

David Pleier
03/26/2026 10:14 am

A truly graced way to bring Palm Sunday out of a history book into our every day!

Nancy
03/26/2026 11:00 am

Thanks Elise,

Easter is almost here, spring is in the air, as we continue our life journey renewed and refreshed.

Wishing you, Sr. Ruth Ann and all the Sisters Easter Blessings.

Diann Wimmer
03/26/2026 11:03 am

Yes, a very thoughtful and challenging reflection, so true to our journey in 2026. I pray for "trust that truth will prevail and life will ultimately break forth". You said it so well.

Agnes M Fischer
03/27/2026 8:49 am

Thanks, Elise, for inspiring me to keep walking the road to Jerusalem.

Dianne Zirbel
03/27/2026 11:34 am

As Jerusalem and neighboring cities and towns have to cancel many of their Palm Sunday service or processions because of the war with Iran - the Cross of Jesus looms before them but their faith is so strong - makes me look at how good I've got it (the hosannas) but calls all of us to pray for our brothers and sisters in turbulent times. Thank you Sister for the great reflection.

Cheryl Mueller
03/28/2026 8:11 pm

Elise, thank you for sharing your gifts of inspiration and challenge to action. I will include this message when I meet with the men at the prison tomorrow night.

Claire
04/01/2026 3:23 pm

Sr. Elise, thank you for a wonderful reflection.

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