We need to appreciate the way Christ put the will of our Father above everything – to give us Heaven
Reflections on the readings for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (March 25, 2018): MK 11:1-10, IS 50:4-7, PS 22:8-9,17-18, 19-20, 23-24, PHIL 2:6-11, MK 14:1—15:47
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today’s Gospel takes us through the events of Christ’s life during His last week ministering among His people. Jesus is hailed by a great number of people when He goes into Jerusalem and then reverenced by a woman who pours expensive perfumed oil on His head. Meanwhile others are planning for His arrest and death. After celebrating the Passover with His Apostles and sharing the Eucharist with them, Jesus takes His closest followers to pray with Him in the garden of Gethsemane. “He advanced a little and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass by Him; He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible to You. Take this cup away from Me, but not what I will but what You will’” (Mark 14:35-36).
When we have suffered, we, too, have likely asked God to heal us – to relieve our pain of body, mind or spirit. Yet Christ contemplated the brutal torment that He would soon endure, not for Himself, but for us. As agonizing as the coming hours would be, Jesus accepted them because only then could we ever join Him in eternity. And only by meditating on His Passion can we understand, in even a small way, His love for each and every person and how much He yearns for our love in return.Suggested missionary action: We can begin this Holy Week by asking Jesus to help us follow Him through His Passion both mindfully and prayerfully. We can also ask Him to help us better appreciate His sacrifice.
