Pastor's Corner: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

In our Roman Catholic Christian tradition, the scripture readings for this Sunday, March 28 lead us from the highest praise and exultation to the very pit of despair - the grave. The scripture readings for Palm Sunday are as follows:

Mark 11:1-10 Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Isaiah 50:4-7 we hear of the Suffering Servant.

Philippians 2:6-11 we hear of Jesus being obedient to the point of death.

Mark 14:1-15:47 Mark's version of the last supper and Jesus' Passion & Death.

It seems that the first Gospel reading concerning Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem is the primary focus of Palm Sunday. In reality it is merely setting the stage for the events that take place between the Mark 11 reading and the Mark 14 reading as well as the passion and death of Jesus. The cleansing of the temple being the primary event that seems to convince the chief priests and scribes that Jesus must die. The proclamation of the Passion, Mark 14:1-15: 47 is to be the primary focus of our Palm Sunday celebration. It leads us into Holy Week and the Triduum services, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. This week is the most holy of the entire church year.

On Palm Sunday, we are confronted with two processions. In both processions the people of God are fully involved. In one procession the people proclaim accolades to Jesus in the second procession the same people condemn Jesus. The first procession proclaims Jesus as Messiah. I believe it is important to remember that throughout the Gospel of Mark Jesus goes to great lengths to avoid putting himself in this exact situation. Jesus has made it clear that he did not trust the intentions of the people. Jesus knew that the people did not expect the messiah to be a suffering servant as noted in the Isaiah reading. Jesus allows this procession to take place only because it will further the Father's plan of salvation at this time.

As we enter Holy Week, it is important that we take the time to meditate on the passion and death of Jesus so we can discern God's great love for us. We must remember that the passion and death of Jesus lead us to his resurrection which changes the grave from a pit of despair to a place of hope in everlasting life with God.

Blessings

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Deacon Tim Maroney

St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church