Sharing the Word – April-14-2019 – Passion (Palm) Sunday, Cycle C

Readings:
Reading after the Blessing of the Palms: Luke 19: 28 – 40,
1st Reading; Isaiah 50 : 4 – 7 
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 31: 2,6, 12 – 13, 15-16, 17, 25.   
2nd Reading; Philippians 2 : 6 – 11   
Passion of Our Lord, Jesus, Luke 22 : 14  to 23 :56.
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest”.

 The Gospel readings today are in two parts; the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the Passion story. The two readings show Jesus facing the mess and madness of mankind. He is received as King by large crowds in Jerusalem, and within the shortest possible time, He is facing about the same crowds, all shouting, “Crucify him, Crucify him”. The whole story of Jesus shows Him as God and Man. As man, He needed a lot of courage to enter Jerusalem, at this time. He, however, teaches us that when we find ourselves faced with the mess and madness of humankind around us,  we need courage, faith and should show love.

This account of the boisterous crowd that triumphantly receives Jesus into Jerusalem makes us believe that the same crowd could not have quickly turned against Him and started shouting ‘Crucify Him, Crucify Him!’ To see the same crowd prefer the release of a criminal – Barabbas, is even dismaying. This shows how it is easy to be in an overwhelming crowd and flow with the general consensus. Some of us Christians are crowd-following Christians. We followed the crowd for Baptism, we follow it to Church when they are occasions, and also follow it to condemn Jesus when He needs us most.

We cannot underestimate the pressure of a crowd. You need to be a titan to withstand it. Jesus’ closest friend promises he would be willing to go to prison with Him or even die with Him, but when the pressure becomes overwhelming, just a few hours later, he bows out. He who had been armed with a sword, up to the extent of chopping off the high priest’s servant’s ear, denies having any knowledge of Jesus. Not once.Not twice, but thrice. This is a reflection of what we do when we prefer comfort to suffering.

 We are faced by suffering everyday, maybe perpetuated by others. It may be from our friends, partners in marriage/business, in-laws, society that hates us, and sometimes even our own family members. We must remember that our sufferings, like Jesus’ Passion are not finished and cannot be avoided. The Jews expected a Messiah, who would liberate them from the Roman Empire and when He failed to deliver the expected goods, they all shouted out, “Crucify him, Crucify him”. In the same vain, those who perpetuate suffering on us may have expected us to totally liberate them from their woes. When they discover that we are unable to live up to their dreams, though they may have welcome us just yesterday, they turn around to crucify us in the same manner. Jesus, re-incarnated in us, asks us to continue to show love, to all, even those who crucify us.

The narrative of the suffering of Jesus before His death is really passionate. We have had the opportunity to watch the movie ‘ The Passion of the Christ’. I doubt if someone watching the movie will not be moved. It moves us because we see the main actor – acting Jesus’ part – suffer immensely. Yet He bears it with courage. This courage is what we hear in the first reading today. No resistance!

Unfortunately, we see the Passion story as of the wicked past. We fail to see that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! We fail to see that the passion is an ongoing story. That we have continued to be part of the passion story, this time not as readers but the real actors. It is our sins that inflict all the suffering on Him. By sinning, we are in essence shouting ‘Nail Him to the cross! Nail Him to the cross!’ Then we nail Him, again and again. 

Jesus’ trial and and condemnation to death were not very different from what happens to many Christians and martyrs today. Many followers of Jesus face different types of persecution. Some are not allowed to profess their faith. Others are, but are insulted, abused or are under constant threats of life. Some of the persecutors are pseudo-followers who want a comfort following which Jesus’ teaching does not offer.

If we see ourselves as actors, we will be more moved this time than watching the movie. Then we will follow Him in pity. Weeping not only for Him but for ourselves. We will use the wounds we inflict on Him to heal us of our sins. Luke records two incidences in his narrative we hear today to prove to us that we can use Jesus’ suffering to heal us of of sinfulness.  First we see Him heal the high priest’s servant’s ear and second, His suffering heals the enmity that existed between Herod and Pilate. If we look at the passion this week with eyes of faith,  we should be able to heal not only our wounds but also the division that exists between us.

Let us use this Holy week, looking not to the passion story lived  about two thousand years, but looking into ourselves  and making amends to the way we follow Jesus.

A Little Prayer. Lord Jesus, thank You for your final word and deed to me. Lord, your final word to me is love. Love is your way, love is your mark, Love is your sign, Love is your news, Love is your name, Love is your Law. May I in your service of love, truly extend this to my brethren, neighbours and may I receive your countless blessings this Easter. Amen.
Have a Grace-filled Holy Week!

Bobe Talla Toh