Palm Sunday

Is 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11;
Lk 22:14-23:56

In the Gospel for this Sunday, we are inspired to contemplate the totality of the gift of Jesus entrusted to his apostles and to all those who in the future will accept and heed his word.

The gift of himself sacramentally in the Eucharist cannot be surpassed in spite of the intense suffering which follows. His body given to us and his blood poured out, reminds us that he is not defeated by the actions of the traitors who will in a short time drive him to his death. His placing of the apostles at the head of his kingdom is a further act of trust in them but in both cases they fail to grasp the implications of what he has done.

Every year on this Sunday we follow Jesus on his way to Calvary. The story becomes familiar and perhaps we too fail to grasp the enormity of the gift and the intensity of the suffering of Jesus. The human failure of the apostles who sleep instead of supporting him in his prayer during his agony, reflects our own inability to grasp the full meaning of that which has been given to us. Peter's denial is reminiscent of our own inertia in speaking out against the injustices around us.

...and the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter (v 61)

Peter, the one given authority and responsibility has failed in his first duty. It is the good thief who speaks out in appreciation of the situation and receives affirmation from Jesus in return. It is the man from Arimathaea who begs permission to bury the body of Jesus. It is the women who prepare spices and ointments. How do we respond to the Lord as he looks at us?

Pam Davis OP