Sixth Sunday of Lent Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday)

Sixth Sunday of Lent Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) March 24, 2024

Isaiah 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Mark 14:1-15:47

(image courtesy: Google)

During Thomas Jefferson's presidency he and a group of travellers were crossing a river that had overflowed its banks. Each man crossed on horseback fighting for his life. A lone traveller watched the group traverse the treacherous river and then asked President Jefferson to take him across. The president agreed without hesitation, the man climbed on, and the two made it safely to the other side of the river where somebody asked him: "Why did you select the President to ask this favour?" The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the President of the United States who had carried him safely across. "All I know," he said, "is that on some of your faces was written the answer 'No' and on some of them was the answer 'Yes.' His was a 'Yes' face."

During the time of Jesus, donkey was a very big thing for the people. The donkey was the equivalent of a car, a truck and a tractor all in one. It was a car because people used it to move around and do their shopping, a truck because it was used to carry load, and a tractor because it was used in cultivating the land. Add to this the fact that the donkey had never been ridden, that means it was brand new and had a very high market value. You can see that giving up the donkey just because the Lord needed it was a very big sacrifice. It was a generous and heroic act of faith.

In reflecting on the symbolism of the donkey, we are reminded of the contrast between worldly power and the kingdom of God. Unlike earthly rulers who assert their authority through force and domination, Jesus embodies a different kind of kingship—one characterized by service, compassion, and self-sacrifice. His choice of transportation underscores the paradoxical nature of his kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to the values of the world.

As we acclaim Jesus as our King today, let us also reflect on what it means to follow him. The Gospel of the day is the passion narration from the gospel according to Mark. We have heard the lengthy reading. We re-lived the last moments of Jesus. It is a climax in our love story of God.  After listening to the reading of the day and we begin this Holy Week, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to embrace the humility and self-emptying love exemplified by Christ? Are we ready to set aside our own agendas and ambitions in order to serve others with compassion and generosity?

Palm Sunday challenges us to examine our hearts and confront any tendencies toward pride, self-centeredness, or the pursuit of worldly success.

Moreover, Palm Sunday serves as a prelude to the events of Holy Week, reminding us that the path of discipleship is not always easy. Just as the crowd's jubilant cries of "Hosanna!" would soon give way to shouts of "Crucify him!", we too may face moments of trial and temptation in our journey with Christ. Yet, even in the face of suffering and persecution, Jesus remained steadfast in his mission, obedient to the Father's will unto death.

In the second reading from the Letter to the Philippians, we hear St. Paul's exhortation to imitate the humility of Christ, who, though he was in the form of God, emptied himself, taking the form of a slave (Philippians 2:6-7). This passage reminds us that true greatness is found not in the pursuit of power or prestige, but in selfless service and love. As we contemplate the mystery of Christ's passion and death, may we be inspired to follow his example of humility and obedience.

As we enter into Holy Week, let us journey with Jesus to the foot of the Cross, where he will lay down his life for our salvation. Let us accompany him in his agony in the garden, his betrayal, his trial, and ultimately his crucifixion. And as we contemplate the mystery of the cross, may we also anticipate with hope the joy of Easter, when Christ will rise victorious from the tomb, conquering sin and death once and for all.

Palm Sunday beckons us to reflect on the paradoxical nature of Christ's kingship, which is revealed in humility and service. As we acclaim Jesus as our King today, let us also examine our own lives and strive to imitate his example of selfless love. Let us wear a “YES” face. Let us strive to remove or lessen the pain of others by being the ambassadors of Christ.  

A dear person known to me recently shared with me confidentially that she prepared a meal for her neighbour who is alone. He is 93 and he had a fall and at the moment limited in his movements. She could see the joy on his face.  She has already worn a "YES" face, hasn’t she?

May this Holy Week be a time of deep spiritual renewal and transformation, as we journey with Christ from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the glory of his resurrection.

Wish you a grace-filled Holy Week