At the Vigil Mass
for Palm Sunday
I hear a tale
of betrayal and suffering,
crowd manipulation and mass hysteria,
cruelty and torture
and self-sacrifice.

I am unmoved.

During the Consecration
Fr Thomas raises the host
and I look up towards the altar
trying to glimpse the Body of Christ.
Tonight my view is unobstructed
and I can see Fr Thomas clearly.

I am shocked.

Fr Thomas stands on the altar,
a striking figure
in crimson vestments,
his arms raised to display
the Body of Christ.

I suddenly dawns on me
that Fr Thomas is wearing these vestments
because they are
as red as blood,
as red of the blood of Christ.

This thought hits me forcefully
and I stare at Fr Thomas
in disbelief,
appalled, shocked
and deeply saddened.

And yet, in a strange way,
I welcome these emotions
which bring to life again once more
the story of Jesus’ passion,
reminding me
that Fr Thomas’ vestments
are as red as the blood of Christ
that was shed
for me.

© Claire Murray, 31st March 2015