April 1, 2012
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
We remember the joyful entrance to the Holy City and how many of his followers began to sing the psalms written of the Messiah…the promised Anointed One of God (Christos, in the New Testament Greek). Jesus of Nazareth arrived and entered David’s city to celebrate the ritual of Passover; and in the crowds of onlookers, some called out to him O Lord, son of David….bless us.
But others in the crowd watched this spectacle intently, coldly, with other issues in mind.
This “country boy made good”…this common worker, this wandering prophet and wonder-worker from the hill country up north (Galilee)… he came into the center of holiness and power…eternal Jerusalem….and as the word of Jesus moved the crowds to ecstatic hope in God …those in the three seats of power…the King of Israel, the High Priest of Jerusalem’s Temple, and the delegate in Palestine of mighty Rome…they all paid attention.
He came, riding on the thunderous sound of psalms and celebrations.
Within a few days, he would be executed…sacrificed…like the lambs at Passover.
Today, we begin Holy Week.
On Wednesday the 4th, the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation will be offered for the last time in this holy week
Holy Thursday: the Passover and the mandatum of humble service
Good Friday: the Seven Last Words, the Stations of the Cross, the Adoration of the Cross, the death of Jesus
Holy Saturday: the silence of death
The great Vigil of Easter: He lives…and He calls us to live in His Light!
Easter Sunday: the first day of redeemed life, the eighth day of creation
AMDG