Palm Sunday March 28, 2010
Key West, Florida 2008

As we move into Holy Week and secure our blessed palms
in all the special places in our home,
our memories are still forming around Father Zuberbueler's visit
with us on Palm Sunday eve.
In light of providence, our tables were filled with delicious food;
our conversations, rich in the life of faith we share.
For those who were unable to attend,
Father Zuberbueler presented us with writings
from Pope John Paul from the Encyclical, "Ecclesia de Eucharistia",
presented on April 23, 2003, only six years ago,
when Pope John Paul was 83 years old!
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_17042003_ecclesia-de-eucharistia_en.html

What resonates to me from Father Matthew's reflection on this encyclical
is that stress becomes blessed,
when transformed within the Eucharistic Encounter.
In paragraphs 18-20, Father specifically discussed the concept of
the 'eschatological tensions' we encounter living in the world,
passing through to our heavenly reward.
Having the feast day of Saint Joseph and the Solemnity of the Annunciation
all within the Octave of this reflection,
Father readily highlighted the willing encounters
of Saint Joseph and Mother Mary
in obediently bringing forth God's plan in time.
Father invited us to consider the 'eschatological tensions'
in the life of Saint Joseph;
such as, his acceptance of a fruitful bride, taking flight into Egypt,
and finding his lost Son in the temple after searching three days.
My husband would agree
that summer vacation stress pales in light of all of this!
Our Blessed Mother, through her Magnificat,
responds through time before us,
in light of her eschatological ponderings, as well.
I forget my own motherly anxieties whenever I am challenged to consider
what thoughts Our Lady might have contemplated
as Virgin-Mother of Son and Savior.

As uniquely graced as their responses were,
Father encouraged us to consider the specific,
unrepeatable response that our times require from each of us,
in light of our own vocations.
His suggestions included building the bridge of a daily prayer life,
lead by the Holy Spirit, toward the grace-embraced life in the Lord.

Thanks to Father's words, our family stress will never be the same,
as he has provided us a renewed perspective
in light of our own eschatological tensions, E.T.,
'as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of Our Savior.'

In this Year of the Priest,
we express our gratitude to Father Z. for blessing our feast,
enkindling our joy and
sharing in our life
through the Eucharistic Amazement of Pope John Paul the Great.

Hosanna to Our King!