Pastor's Message
PALM Sunday
“My God, my god, why have you forsaken me.” Psalm 22
“Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being of human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a Cross.” Phil 2:6ff
These words of St Paul in his letter to the Philippians gives us, “The Way of the Lord,” and serves as a summary of what we hear in the Gospel Reading, today; The Passion Narrative.
This past week for those who came to daily Masses, in every Gospel Reading we heard, the leaders of the people trying to arrest Jesus. Jesus could not allow himself to be arrested, because his Hour had not yet come.
This coming week, the Holy Week, liturgies celebrate this “Hour,” “The Hour of Christ;” “His Passion, Death/ and Resurrection.”
The journey of Our Salvation History began in the Garden of Aden, after the Fall of Our 1st Parents. God was heard looking for us “Adam where are you?” Our self-will had come between us and God and we had disobeyed his command. God, however, did not give up on us, rather, He planned to save us from the power of the evil one.
He chose Abraham and from him Israel who became his chosen People! God guided them through Moses, Judges, Kings and Prophets, to this time of Fulfillment!
Brothers and Sisters, the celebrations this Holy Week, invites us to ascend with Jesus, to Jerusalem and to the Altar of His Self-giving.
In Jerusalem, this week the Events of the Hour prophesied by Prophet Isaiah will unfold,
“I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spittle. So disfigured did he look that he seemed no longer human. So will the crowds be astonished at him, and Kings stand speechless before him; for they shall see something never told and witness something never heard before.” Isaiah 50:6ff
On Holy Thursday, the link between the Passion and Passover Meal will be made. Jesus anticipating the Sacrifice on the Cross, instituted its Memorial. In this day proclamation, Jesus emphasize how deliberate this Meal was; “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Luke: 22:15
On Holy Friday, we shall again experience the transforming power of “Christ’s Self-giving Act.” With the Passion Narrative, it will point, yet again, as was today, how generous and loving our heavenly Father is, despite our human infidelity and cruelty;
On Holy Saturday, Creation will be silent as it awaits its victory in the Mystery of the Resurrection of Christ.”
+ Easter Sunday, we shall be jubilant with the victorious Christ in his victory over death through his Resurrection.
As we go home, today, to prepare for these Great Festivities, the Lord calls on us as he requested of Peter, John and James, to keep vigil with him in Prayer; “My Soul is sorrowful even to death, remain here and keep watch with me.” Mt: 26:38.
