A love that never turns away
Palm Sunday, also known as the Passion Sunday, is the only day of the year when two Gospel passages are read in the liturgy of the Holy Mass (if it is celebrated in its full form). First, there is a description of Jesus' solemn entry into Jerusalem. Later, a dramatic story about the passion and death of the Lord. The contrast between these relations is striking. Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem is accompanied by the applause of the crowds. Full of joy "hosanna" (Hebrew "hoshana" means the joy associated with worshiping God), intertwined with blessings addressed to Jesus, triumphant "Hail King!" - these cries testify that the multitudes see the prophet and the Messiah in the Teacher from Nazareth coming to Jerusalem. Jesus' victory can be proclaimed without hesitation. In a few days, however, the situation will change radically ... Why?
The triumph of the Messiah
In the account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the Gospel shows the true meaning of his mission. Jesus, in whom - what is clearly emphasized - the prophesies are fulfilled, is presented as the king of peace, the spiritual ruler who comes in the name of God, full of humility. Were the crowds awaiting such a ruler, with the desire to meet the Messiah? What could this king, the Son of David, give to his homeland oppressed by the Roman occupier? Will he defeat the enemies? Will he restore the kingdom of Israel to all its glory, as it was in the days of David and Solomon? Will the Messiah reveal His Might Power?
Disappointment
How many of those who accompanied Jesus crying out "hosanna" found themselves in front of the palace of the Roman governor a few days later to shout, "to the cross with him!", "Release Barabbas!"? Certainly, many. Not all were bribed. Many disappointed with the course of events then shouted out their "credo".
Barabbas, a symbol of violence and aggression in the fight for a just cause, defeated the King of Peace in a tragic plebiscite ... Deep doubts were shared by the disciples. Strained by fear, they abandoned their Master at the most dramatic moment. The words of the Gospel account, which shows the behavior of the apostles when Jesus was arrested, sound scary: "Then all the disciples left him and fled."
Meaning
The path between "hosanna!" and "crucify” is short! There is little distance between the statement " Even though all should have their faith shaken, mine will not be!" and “I don't know this Man." The feeling of nonsense overwhelms. It breeds fear. It takes away hope. This is the situation of Jesus' disciples, focused on their disappointment, experiencing painful failure. Are we not like them when it comes times of sadness, disappointed hopes, uncertainty? Helpless, self-centered, anxiously looking to the future ... Jesus' death seemed to be an absurdity confirming defeat. The sealing of dashed hopes. The real sense was yet to show. The Risen One will reveal it.
A love that never turns away
On Palm Sunday we look at such love - at Jesus crucified. When man failed God and followed the path of sin, God did not turn away from man. On the contrary, God became man, he came even closer to him. God responded not with hatred, but with love, the pinnacle of which was revealed on the cross.
There is a Love that never turns away from a person, even if it hurt itself. There is a Love that does not look for itself at all but gives itself completely. There is a Love whose arms are open to everyone, regardless of their current condition, whether they are at the top or at the bottom. There is a Love that has allowed itself to be crucified but will never stand in the crowd to shout "crucify". There is a Love that is sure, faithful and will never change its mind about us. A Love that has made the choice to love us once and for all.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george