Soon we begin Holy Week. Palm Sunday was day that started a week of tradition in my family as a child. After Mass we completed our palm braiding. On Thursday we attended Mass and sat in silence at the end. On Friday we boiled eggs and had egg salad for lunch and made our way to a dark town for service at 1pm. Holy Saturday brought a lot of activity, baking, egg coloring and Easter Basket assembly. Then on Easter we got into our best clothes after chores and went to Mass. As we start this week, think about the way you want your children to remember the week in 35 years. Make each day special, and never be afraid to start a new tradition.
Jesus also received a lot of pressure to conform to expectations on Palm Sunday. The crowd that welcomed him with shouts of Hosanna was seeking a strong liberator from an occupying nation. Sometimes we too cry out to God and expect to force His hand. Jesus knows the immense pressure that expectations can foist on us, perhaps this week He can walk with you to new freedom to serve and respond to God.