John 3:16 is perhaps the most well known verse in the Bible, revealing the magnitude of God’s love poured out for us through the death of Jesus on the Cross.
The cruelty and injustice of John’s death remind us that such forces are ever-present in our world. In our times of suffering, we look to the Cross of Christ for the grace and strength we need to carry on.
We stand before the Cross of Christ and acknowledge the darkness in our hearts. This is what inspired the love of God the Father to send his Son, to shine with heavenly light upon our world and free us from our sins.
Every year we hear God’s great love story when we recall the Passion of Jesus. Rather than fall into the trap of forgetfulness, we remember what Christ has done for us so that we might be renewed to offer our lives for the Lord.
The high priest, Caiaphas, offers a prophetic insight: “It is better for you, that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” With these solemn words, we step into Holy Week.
Let’s examine some of the major themes that surface in our readings for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.
1st Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7
This passage of the “Suffering Servant” is interpreted by the Church to apply directly to Jesus.
Note how it is written in the first person, from the Lord’s perspective, and points to the agony of the Passion.
Psalm – 22: 8-9,17-20,23-24
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
This Psalm offers a prophecy that is fulfilled with the Passion of the Lord.
I strongly suggest that we all read Psalm 22 repeatedly during Holy Week. For although it begins in anguish and suffering, it ends with a resounding praise of the glory of God.
2nd Reading – Philippians 2:6-11
Jesus humbly “empties himself” and takes on our human form in order to die on the Cross for our sins.
Because of this sacrifice, Jesus Christ is exalted above all creation, and we acknowledge him as Lord.
Gospel – Matthew 26:14-27:66
This is the great drama of God’s love for us!
Do yourself a favor and take time this week to slowly read and reflect on the Passion of our Lord. Seriously, just do it, and offer a prayer of gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.
Jesus speaks about his profound relationship with his heavenly Father, teaching that he will one day judge all souls in the resurrection that leads either to life or death. May we embrace our faith in Christ today, preparing ourselves for the moment when we stand before the Lord.
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus speaks of his suffering, death, and resurrection. As we follow the Lord today, may we consider how we are called to offer our lives through the sacrifices we make.
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