Speaking to the Jewish crowds, Jesus proclaims that he is I AM, God present before time itself who will be recognized in the great saving work that takes place on the Cross.
Let’s examine some of the themes in the Mass readings for Palm Sunday.
1st Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7
The prophet speaks to the weary rousing words with the help of God.
He is not disgraced, even in the face of attack and mockery.
Psalm – 22:8-9,17-20,23-24
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
READ THIS ENTIRE PSALM in light of the Passion of Jesus Christ! It is worth your time and effort.
2nd Reading – Philippians 2:6-11
Jesus “emptied himself” by taking on our human form and being crucified for our sake.
Because of his obedience to the Father’s will, his name is exalted above all names, and before him every knee shall bend – in heaven, on earth, and under the earth – proclaiming that he is Lord.
Gospel – Luke 22:14-23:56
Take time this week to read these two chapters and pray over Luke’s account of the Passion of the Lord.
May the death of Jesus help us to comprehend the immensity of God’s love for us all.
In this fifth of a six-part Lenten series, Carry Your Cross, Fr. Andrew continues to a discussion of Matthew 16:13-28, showing how we “lose our lives” out of love for Christ as we confront death and embrace God’s gift of life.
Jesus speaks to the Jews, revealing that he is God, the Son who has been given everything by the Heavenly Father, and before whom we will all stand one day for judgement.