From Palm Sunday to Good Friday, the cries of the crowds around Jesus shifted shockingly…
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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
On this Palm Sunday, we recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem for the last time. He rode on the back of an ass even as a crowd spread out branches and their own cloaks for Him to ride over while they shouted “Hosanna!” Those people saw him as a hero and healer, as one who came among them in the name of the Lord God. But by Friday Jesus would be a prisoner facing the travesty of a trial. And another crowd – probably composed of some of the same people – turned against Him. “They… shouted… ‘Crucify Him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed Him over to be crucified. The soldiers led Him away… and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on Him …and kept striking His head with a reed and spitting on Him” (Mark 15:14-17, 19).
If we see those crowds as fickle and faithless and those soldiers as contemptible bullies, we need to ask ourselves what we would have done. More importantly, we need to think about what we do now, today. If we take the easy way out of situations or just shrug and go along with others, we must recognize ourselves in those people. Every day we are called on to do good and avoid evil, to make decisions based on our faith in Christ and His mission of forgiveness and mercy. Let us stay aware of our choices and our commitment to the Redeemer of the world.