The Passion as Practice - Fr. Joe Simmons, SJ 4.13.25

A lot can happen in a week. And if you’ve been paying attention to the news or reflecting on your own life, you probably know that all too well. In one moment, things are smooth and joyful; in the next, we’re hit with grief, surprise, or uncertainty. It can feel like we’re on a rollercoaster of emotions. That emotional ride is what we step into during Holy Week. The Passion of our Lord isn’t just a story we tell—it’s a practice. A spiritual rehearsal. Because just like the Passion, life is filled with joy and sorrow, triumph and heartbreak. And by walking with Jesus through this week, we prepare ourselves to navigate the unpredictable terrain of our own lives. This Holy Week, let’s reflect on why Holy Week matters—not just liturgically, but personally. The Passion is elaborate, sad, and beautiful, revealing how Jesus’ deeply human experiences—celebration, betrayal, grief, and love—mirror our own. Today, Father Joe Simmons invites us to consider how Holy Week teaches us to endure, to hope, and to walk forward—together.