We are in the last days of Lent.

Next week is Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday.

This past Saturday I participated in a Pilgrimage of Hope the Archdiocese did. We walked over 7 miles, beginning at All Souls Church in Alhambra and ending at the Cathedral of the Angels in downtown L.A.

There were hundreds of us.

Some carried banners of the name of their parish or of images of saints. Some carried holy relics.

We prayed the Rosary out loud and we sang songs.

At a couple of points in the walk we were up on a hill and I could see the beginning of the people walking way in front of me and I could see the people at the end of the walk way behind me.

Knowing that Palm Sunday is coming, my mind began to imagine that this is what it must have been like when Jesus came into Jerusalem.

A huge crowd of people following Him joyfully through the street like we joyfully walked through the streets of Alhambra, East L.A., China Town and into downtown L.A.

People stood on their porch watching us go by and I’d say, “Good morning!” with a smile. Some waved with rosaries in their hands. Some honked as they drove by us.

I felt honored to walk the streets joyfully praying and praising God with hundreds of fellow Catholics.

As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. Luke 19:36-37

I think it’s an amazing experience when Gospel stories come to life like this one did this past Saturday.

Jesus and His disciples shared about God and His love and mercy out in the streets, talking with people.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem out on the streets with crowds joyfully praising Him.

How am I joyfully sharing about God, His love and mercy, and all the mighty things He has done?

With my family?

With my friends?



These last days of Lent let’s really focus on our love for Jesus and pray, fast, alms give, and by telling at least one family member and one friend about Him and His love for them.

Be a blessing!