On Palm Sunday we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds were waving palms and shouting "Hosanna!" What a welcome he received! How bittersweet that must have been for Jesus to hear those cheers all the while knowing those same voices would be screaming "Crucify him!" later in the week. When I receive my palms at Mass Saturday evening, I will join with those people shouting "Hosanna!" I would like to say that I would never turn on Jesus as those crowds did. I would like to think I would never be one of the people screaming "Crucify him! Crucify him!" I would like to think that I would be standing near Mary, the mother of Jesus, offering whatever comfort I could while drawing strength from her.
Ah, but I have already yelled "Crucify him! Crucify him!" so many times. I would say too many times, but that would suggest that is some acceptable number of time I can say "Crucify him!" before it is too many times. In Matthew's Gospel chapter 25:35-46, Jesus says that whatever I do to or for the others, I do to or for Jesus (see verse 40) and whatever I do not do to or for others, I do not do to or for Jesus (see verse 45). The passage talks about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick,.giving be a drink to the thirsty and visiting prisoners.
But there are so many more than just the ones Jesus mentions. For am I not also called to be kind to others, especially those with whom I have a difficult relationship? Am I not called to refrain from speaking negatively about others? Am I not called to stop judging others? Am I not called to forgiveness and letting go of anger and grudges?
How many times this week have my words and actions shouted "Crucify him!" instead of "Hosanna!"? Too many to count!
God Bless you and keep you!
Sister Pat, FMT
Holy Mary, Mother of Creation,
bless us that we may experience
God as Love in praise of all creatures,
in love of all of creation. Amen.
Father Michael Adams - www.livingrosaries.org
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