Palm Sunday

As we follow Him into our churches this Palm Sunday – and as we walk with Him in the events of His life-giving passion, death and resurrection – may we walk with our suffering sisters and brothers, wherever they may be. Let us accompany them in their suffering as we accompany the Lord in His suffering.

Today, we shall listen to the Passion account given us by St Mark. Do not, as it were, leave this text at the church door when you leave. Take it with you in mind and heart. Read it again over the coming days. Allow the inspired words that are an account of our salvation to find a home in you. The more we dwell in the Gospel, the more we dwell in Christ, in the One who suffered, died and rose again for us. The more we dwell in Christ, the more open we shall be to His gift of peace – a gift that is for the whole world.

Reflection

The greatest work we can carry out as Christians is to forgive. As the Father forgave us through Jesus’ Death on the Cross, so we forgive others through our example. The Christian offers forgiveness first without demanding an apology beforehand, and not even expecting the apology at the same time as forgiveness is given: just as Christ on the Cross not only did not receive an apology from those around Him, but received instead mockery and scorn.

For us, too, Jesus does not wait to forgive us until we are good and strong enough to appear before Him and offer an apology. He offers to cleanse us of our sinfulness when we are yet babies, unable even to speak or realize that we are conceived in this world as sinners. We in our turn should offer forgiveness from our hearts and through our words and actions before someone who has wronged us even asks for it. This is the message that alone can bring peace to the world and make it possible for Jesus’ words to come true: “Peace be with you.”

Castlecomer Parish
Church of the Immaculate Conception

Palm Sunday

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