Father, not My will but yours, be done
Lk. 22:42b
It’s Palm Sunday. We’re invited to be part of the parade and celebrate. It is the start of the journey that will lead the teacher and servant leader, Jesus, an example of humility, to death on the cross and then to New Risen Life.
Life is a journey; we share this journey. It is a process; we choose to walk with Jesus and follow His Way, then we forget and have to start over again.
In the Passion we hear the long story of those last days of Jesus in Holy Week. There are many characters there. As we prayerfully reflect, we need ask ourselves, “Who am I?”
- the Apostles who sleep while Jesus prays
- Peter who follows, but says, “I don’t know Him”
- Pilate or Herod who want to see a sign and also please the crowd
- the Cyrenian forced to carry the cross
- mourning women who followed, faithfully with Mary, to the ends
The truth is we’ve been all these persons in the Passion.
We share in Jesus’ Passion–pain, in body/mind, and illness; we’ve been hurt, forgotten, suffered loss, and feel condemned. We’ve sinned and failed to love, to practice our faith, forgive, care for others, and build the kingdom.
I invite you to take some time to reflect on how Jesus is yet condemned to suffering/death among us and then act for justice.
Who am I in the Passion narrative today?
Jesus, Loving, suffering Savior, may I ever companion You. May Your life journey always give me direction and help me to grow more able to share Your love, and life. Amen.
~by Sitser Mary David Hydro
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