Palm Sunday
The powers of evil were against him.....
Readings for 6th Sunday of Lent:
At Procession with Palms: Matthew 21:1-11
Reading 1 Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
Reading 2 Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel Matthew 26:14—27:66
REFLECTIONS:… from Father Daniel
The evangelists do not report the Passion of Jesus to play on our emotions. They show us Christ who gave up his life for the love of all people. The first reading tells us what happens to those who are faithful to the mission God has entrusted to them. The Gospel presents us with the only one who has fully realized in himself the image of servant. The second reading describes the journey of this servant from the glory of the Father to the humiliation of the death on the cross to the glorification of his resurrection. This is the path proposed to every person (believer).
How could all that we’ve just heard happen? The powers of evil were against him from the beginning, and finally in crucifying him they seemed to have annihilated him and put an end to his preaching and his healing and his forgiving work. But the forces of evil could only glory in their victory for just a couple of days. Jesus could have fought back, instead, he holds firm to his belief that God’s way is truly the way of life, even if it costs death. It is necessary to visualize this story, to consider who Jesus was, the Lord and king of all creation, to consider how he was treated and to consider how we treat him. Reflecting on the Passion has always lifted my spirits when I was troubled.
Even before the horrendous onslaught began, Jesus announced, “ My appointed time draws near.” He refuses to compromise with the kingdom of darkness in any way. May it bring you that same peace, a peace only Christ can give. Let us take a moment to quietly reflect on all we’ve heard. Remember, Life is a journey of smiles, tears, setbacks and victories. As Pope Francis encourages us, “IF following Jesus seems difficult, don’t be afraid. Trust him, be confident that he is close to you, he is with you, and he will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength to live as he would have you do.”
