This Sunday we enter the most sacred time of the year. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, which holds a twofold meaning. First, the readings focus on the triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem and then we immediately proceed with the reading of the Passion of our Lord. The Church provides us with these readings so that we can understand that there is no triumph without the Cross.
So first, during His glorious ride to Jerusalem our Blessed Lord is recognized by the crowds as the promised Messiah. He rides on a donkey and people bow before Him while singing “Hosanna”. They see in Jesus a new king that would “overthrow” the oppressing current regime and establish a new kingdom of Israel. The whole scene reminds us of the triumphant entry of King David of old to whom the crowds also sang and danced. However, this time, we know that
the story of Jesus has a different turn, for the Lord Jesus will not sit on the king’s throne in Jerusalem, but He will be lifted up on the Cross—this is His throne, from which He will rule over the world. In such a stark contrast to what happened next, the triumphant entry into Jerusalem is an irony that cannot be missed: Jesus is the king of kings, but He is not what people immediately expect. It is really shocking what follows next. The same crowds that were so enthusiastic about Jesus will either change their minds and shout out “crucify Him” or they will disperse in confusion.
The second part of the Palm Sunday celebration leads us to the contemplation of the Passion of our Lord. This year we hear the version from the gospel according to Saint Mark. This particular gospel lays out a plan to conquer evil. It is really Jesus, the Mighty One, who is able to do it for us. But for the ultimate victory much greater sacrifice is necessary. It is His sacrificial death on the Cross. Thus, almost from the beginning the Gospel of Mark talks about the difficulties the Messiah would have to face and the cost of the discipleship. Mark emphasizes the significance of the carrying of the cross in the life of Jesus and of His disciples. The disciples must only trust Jesus who executes the will of the Father and offers Himself on the altar of the cross. Not surprisingly Mark’s passion narrative also picks up the theme of Jesus’ kingship. According to Mark, though the Roman soldiers and the crowds mock Jesus as a “fake” king, this is another irony, because, in fact, Jesus is the King of all the universe, but He is recognized only by those who believe in Him. Jesus is the king that lays down His life for the life of His subjects. By having laid down His life, Jesus reveals that He, the divine King is not just a savior of the people, but He is also the only Way to salvation.
As you contemplate these great mysteries of our faith, express your gratitude to God for the gift of salvation. Prepare your hearts for the coming festivities by prayer and penance. Do not neglect silence and scripture reading. Also, if you have not done it yet this lent, come back to the sacrament of reconciliation and allow God to purify you by His sanctifying grace. And remember that the Resurrected Christ was seen only by those who believed His word and
accepted—received into their hearts—Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross.
I wish to you all that Holy Week may deepen your faith in the power Christ.
Fr. Janusz Mocarski, pastor