A love that does not turn away

The Triumph of the Messiah
In the account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the Gospel reveals the true meaning of his mission. Jesus, in whom the prophecies are clearly 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, desiring to meet the Messiah? What could this king, the Son of David, offer to his homeland, oppressed by the Roman occupier? Will he defeat the enemies? Will he restore the kingdom of Israel to all its former glory, as it was in the days of David and Solomon? Will the Messiah reveal His Mighty 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!" and "Release Barabbas!" Certainly, many. Not all were bribed. Many were disappointed with the course of events and 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. The disciples shared deep doubts. Strained by fear, they abandoned their Master at the most dramatic moment. The words of the Gospel account, which show 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 to times of sadness, disappointed hopes, and 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 him. On the contrary, God became man, coming 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 hurts 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 next time

fr. george