Dear Parishioners,

Every Palm Sunday for the past 40 years I have created a presentation of the Passion that involves visual elements in concert with the reading. I wanted to share this with my new parish and so by the time you are reading this, you will probably have seen it. Since the sanctuary space at
Xavier is configured differently than either St Ignatius in Chestnut Hill or Trinity Chapel on the BC Campus, I am adapting the work for this space. I’m hoping it will be as effective here as it has been in other spaces. Although the majority of “performers” are Xavier parishioners, there are as well professional actors and dancers with whom I’ve worked before. It’s always a thrilling experience to “retell” this central story of our Christian faith. In my retelling this year, I have added a character who represents the Holy Spirit. Will see how it works!

As you most likely know, each of the 4 Passion Narratives are very different one from another. The voice and theology of the Evangelist shapes the story according to the needs of his community. This year we hear Matthew’s version which is fraught with many difficulties for a “modern” listener. Matthew was writing for a Jewish/ Christian community who was struggling with their identity as Jews who had come to belief in Jesus as the Messiah. The “other” Jews who did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah are portrayed in Matthew’s version not only as the ‘enemy’ but also as those responsible for the death of Jesus. (Those of us who have just finished reading Amy Jill Levine’s “The Misunderstood Jew” know how complex this issue is). For that reason, I have “edited” some of the text that is very controversial and has been the cause of anti Jewish sentiment for centuries. We need to hear the story of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ without assigning blame to a whole people.

In addition to this unique presentation of the Passion on Palm Sunday, there is a danced evening prayer on Wednesday the 12th at 7:30. I have been doing this kind of service during Holy Week for the past 27 years. I think it’s a very good “primer” for the triduum. This year it is called What Wondrous Love is This and I’m using the framework of the Seven Last Words for the service which is comprised of music, dance and reflections on the Seven Last Words. In addition to the Xavier dancers, there are professional dancers from NY and Kingston Jamaica whom many of you saw in Christmas Revelations. I hope you will be able to join us for this special service.

I’m looking forward to praying with you during the holiest season of the year!

Peace!

Fr Bob