The holy week

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
March 28, 2021

Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and inaugurates the Holy Week. Going into Jerusalem was one defining moment of his ministry. A journey that would ultimately culminates in His crucifixion on Calvary. What awaited Him was clear: the persecution, the public insults and assaults, the denials and betrayals and so much more. Yet, he soldiered on! The Salvation of our souls was at stake. “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent…until her vindication shines forth like the dawn” (Isaiah 62:1). Again and again we have seen God intervene in human history, especially in the darkest and most dire circumstances. Jesus marches into Jerusalem to make the ultimate sacrifice, to pay the ultimate price for our sins. In this Holy Week, through the readings, we will see him mocked, denied, ridiculed and scourged. Yet, “Like a sheep led to the slaughter house he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). He was on a mission entrusted to Him by His father, a redemptive mission on behalf of you and me. This entire Lenten journey is meant to prepare us toward a greater appreciation of this huge sacrifice. He gave up all for our sakes or as Saint Paul reminds us “He humbled himself and became obedient unto death even death on the cross” (Philippians 2:8). The choice in front of us each day really is clear: to live for him who died for us. When we discriminate against one another, promote hate, show no mercy, is that really living for Him who died for us? When we slander, are envious of other people, and take pride in all kinds of evil deeds, we certainly do not live for Him. This Holy Week calls us to reflect and to ask ourselves: How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? As we ponder this amazing mystery, we pray: Loving God, grant us the grace to live our lives in a way that honors the huge sacrifice your son made for the salvation of our souls, Amen.