Passion Sunday, Year C

Isaiah 50:4-7    Philippians 2:6-11   Luke 22:14-23:56

Theme: God’s triumph

Today the church celebrates Palm Sunday, a celebration that marks the beginning of the Holy Week; a week that unfolds the mystery of our salvation. Today Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, like a King that He is accompanied and received by a great crowd. Interestingly, this same crowd that celebrates Jesus today, in a few days’ time will be shouting crucify him crucify him. One may begin to wonder what gave rise to this sudden change of attitude that took place within a short period of time. In view of this, can we refer to this crowd as true disciples or followers of Christ? My brothers and sisters in Christ, today in our own time, have things changed for the better or it is the same or worse?

The crowd that attends our Masses every Sunday and the churches are packed; can we say their actions are different from the crowd with Jesus today? Whatever the answer is, it is reflecting in our society today, either positively or negatively. How many of us as Christians are willing to stand alone for the truth and loose close friends and family members?

Reflecting on the readings for today, one question that comes to mind is, are Christians today any different from the crowd that welcomed and accompanied Jesus into Jerusalem? One wonders what our answer to the question would be, taking into consideration the increasing number of Catholics in our world, vis-a-vis the present happenings in the world today.

In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, we see the prophet speaking from the point of view of the Israelites. The prophet represents the people of Israel and the many challenges they encountered. This situation presented by the prophet, was fulfilled in the person of Jesus. The suffering servant!

In the second reading, from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we are presented with The Suffering Servant whose life is built on love and humility. His willingness to redeem humanity was based on his humility and love to do the W ill of the Father. My brothers and sisters in Christ, looking at the whole passion narrative and the other readings, can you confidently say you are a reliable disciple of Christ, without fear of contradiction?

Today’s event presents us with the opportunity to re-evaluate our call to discipleship. It is a call to service, objectivity, truthfulness, humility, selflessness and love. Always remember, that we are called to be salt of the earth and light of the world. This is our mandate, as Christians and followers of Christ. May God bless his words in our hearts!