Readings: Is. 50:4-7; Phil. 2:6-11; Mk. 14:1-15:47
Christ’s Suffering is Our Hope
1. At this Mass, we celebrate and welcome Christ into Jerusalem to begin his passion, death, and resurrection. We must follow Jesus from the joyful celebration to his cross on Calvary and finally to the resurrection. The palms we carry today demonstrate fully the importance of the suffering of Christ. The letter to Hebrews tells us that Christ, the “Son of God, learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” (Heb. 5:9).
2. Palm Sunday reminds us of the humility of Christ. The second reading expressed it thus: “Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:6-8). The triumph of Jesus through his humility brings salvation to the world. Christ did not shy away from suffering. He knew that there would be no crown for the world without him passing through the pain, suffering, and accepting the shameful death of the cross. St. Paul tells us, “Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree.”” (Gal. 3:13). May we not be ashamed of the Cross of Christ, for it is in that cross that we find our salvation. Christ reminds us, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” (Jn. 12:24-25) “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” (Jn. 12:32).
3. Isaiah, the prophet, explains why Christ was able to obey his Father’s will. He listened to God. “Morning after morning, he opens my ear that I may hear, and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; I did not shield my face from buffets and spitting.” (Is. 50:4-6). Through prayer, Christ heard his Father and followed his direction. His will was to do the will of his Father. According to the letter to the Hebrews: “For this reason, when he came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Behold, I come to do your will, O God.” (Heb. 10:5-7).
4. We, as Christians, must accept suffering if we are to enjoy life with God. We must be humble in our service to God and humanity. The passion of Christ presented us with many personalities in the life of Jesus. It showed the unwavering courage of Christ. His face was set on Jerusalem despite knowing that the chief priests and the scribes were plotting against him. Many acts of kindness followed Jesus during his journey to the cross, but prayer was the key to everything. Even when it seemed that God had forsaken him, he remained confident in God’s presence. Let us take these words to heart today: “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, distress, or persecution famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things, we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angel, or principalities, nor present height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:35-38).
5. As we embark on the journey with the Lord into his passion, death, and resurrection, let us not allow anything to divert us from the love of Christ. Jesus is more than the collective will of the evil one to distract us from God’s way. The passion of Christ, though filled with suffering, will undoubtedly lead to the glorious resurrection. Let this assurance fill our hearts with hope and strengthen our faith. Amen!
Rev. Augustine
Etemma Inwang, MSP
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