HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID
Gospel Reading (Procession): Luke 19: 28 to 40
First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4 to 7
Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6 to 11
Gospel Reading: Luke 22: 14 to 23: 56
Introduction: Today we begin the week known as 'Holy week'. The week in which Jesus died and rose. He died because of sin. The sins of humankind brought death to the sinless Son of God and it continues to bring sufferings and death to children of God. The Gospel according to St. Luke (for procession) gives an account of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem: As King, as Messiah and as Prophet. When He enters the city, the people of Jerusalem enthusiastically welcome Him by singing Hosanna and praises to God. He comes riding on a colt: A symbol of peace. Jesus enters Jerusalem to receive a kingdom - not an earthly kingdom, but the kingdom of God. Today as we acclaim Jesus as our King and Lord, let us make a firm resolve to serve Him faithfully to the end. Jesus' entry as the messianic King is a sign of God's reign of peace and salvation decreed by Him.
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah's sufferings and rejection are graphically described. He serves the Lord God by faithfully carrying out the mission entrusted to Him by the Lord God. He is fully convinced that the Lord God will ultimately save him from shame and rejection. The sufferings and rejection of Isaiah are a pre-figuration of the sufferings and rejection and the eventual death of Jesus the Messiah.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul explains to the Christian community at Philippi and us the fact that Jesus takes upon Himself our human conditions and He accepts death on a cross. The heavenly Father accepts His humiliations and sufferings and makes Him Lord of heaven and earth. Jesus teaches us that humiliations, sufferings and death are necessary to enter into glory.
The passion of Lord Jesus Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Luke gives a vivid account of the Passover meal and the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Even when death is imminent for Jesus, His disciples are disputing among themselves as to who is the greatest among them. Jesus makes it absolutely clear to them that to be His disciples, they are to renounce themselves and they are to be at the service of one another. Jesus warns Peter of his impending denial. Judas, under the cover of darkness, betrays Him with a kiss. Jesus is arrested by the soldiers. When taken to the authorities, Jesus is accused of calling Himself a king. Finally, under severe pressure from the Jewish authorities, Pilate the Roman Governor condemns Him to death on a cross. Even on His final journey to Calvary where he is eventually crucified, Jesus shows Himself to be merciful and compassionate. Even though surrounded by darkness, the lamp of His love burns brightly. He prays for His executioners. He welcomes the good thief to paradise. He requests John to take care of His beloved mother. With one look of compassion, He brings tears of repentance to the eyes of Peter. He even elicits an act of faith from the Roman Centurion who had conducted His execution. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. After His death on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea who was a secret disciple of Jesus, takes His lifeless body and buries Him in a tomb. With the passion reading, we too are invited to be not merely spectators but to be participants in the passion story especially during the Holy week. Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) is not the last word of Jesus' story. Rather it is only a prelude to the Holy week that will reach its climax on Easter Sunday. Let the celebrations of Palm Sunday bring us hope and encouragement in times of pain and sufferings in our lives. In this context Pope Benedict XVI says: "Palm Sunday tells us that...it is the cross that is the true tree of life." Henry H Milman says: "Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die. O Christ, thy triumphs now begin o'er captive death and conquered sin." May the Lord Jesus, our King and Lord who comes to us humbly riding on a donkey, bless you and give you the courage and the faith to face all challenges, sufferings and pain in your life and come out victorious like Him. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/ Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, April 13, 2025." Thanks.)
No comments:
Post a Comment