The Roman Missal has a terce instruction for Holy Thursday. “Give a brief talk about the Eucharist, the priesthood and the command to "love one another." Tall order!

I’m going to begin with an unflattering story about me. Last Saturday morning, we were getting the church ready for the Palm Sunday masses. An old man came into church. He saw the box of palm back by the baptistry and grabbed a big handful. I went back and asked him what he was doing. I told him that the palm wasn't blessed yet, he should come to one of the three masses and get some after I blessed it. He said, "So, I can't take it?"

And here's where it went off the rails. I said, "No. Put it back." He asked me, "Are you a priest?" When I said yes, he said, I don't see any difference whether I bless it or you bless it," and he stormed out of the church.