Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Although it’s at the very heart of our faith, the story of the suffering and death of Jesus is recounted only twice a year, and then in the same week, on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.

Though we hear this story infrequently, its characters, words and images are vivid in our imagination.  Particular words and phrases have embedded themselves in our memory and in our hearts, evoking repentance and prayer.

Don’t these words echo in a place deep in your soul?  Words like:

“One of you will betray me.”

“Surely, it is not I, Lord?”

“This very night before the cock crows you will deny three times that you know me.”

“Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will but as you will.”

“Stay here and keep watch with me for an hour.”

“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”

“I do not know the man.”

Peter went out and wept bitterly.

They stripped him, put a crown of thorns on his head and spat upon him.

“Crucify him! Crucify him!”

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

He cried out in a loud voice and gave up his spirit.

“Truly, this was the Son of God.”

Any of these phrases and the images they call forth would be good food for prayer in the days ahead.

We enter the Week we call holy when Christians around the world pause to remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

May the story of his suffering and death refresh our faith in his love poured out for us.  May the words of Jesus’ passion, embedded in our hearts, bring us his mercy and lead us to the peace of Easter.

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