The stage is set, and the characters are assembled for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.
Unlike other great stories, this one never ends. Each of us plays a part in the ongoing conflict and its eternal nature. Our roles in the story just happen to be taking place now. Let’s consider those who initially preceded us.
As Luke says, the hour has come. We take our places at table with Jesus. The Last Supper, the First Eucharist, is celebrated. Just like today. No difference between then and now in the One, Eternal Eucharistic Sacrifice.
There’s the betrayer. The man whose hand is with Jesus on the table and for whom Jesus foretells nothing but woe for his actions. Who hands Him over to the Temple Guards and the Chief Priests.
There are His followers of whom He says Satan will sift like wheat. That Peter will deny Him three times but turn back and strengthen his brothers.
Those who blindfold, beat, and revile Him. The Sanhedrin who arrest, judge, and condemn Him. Pilate who wants nothing to do with Him, repeatedly trying to release Him, but ultimately capitulating to the angry crowd.
Simon helps carry His cross. Weeping women along the way mourn and lament. Roman soldiers jeer. Nailing His hands and feet to a cross as He forgives them all.
A criminal on one side reviles Him. The other asks for mercy. The centurion proclaims His divinity. Joseph cares for His Body, wrapping Him in linen and placing Him in a rock-hewn tomb.
Where are we in this drama? Do our praises of “Hosannah,” like that of the crowd, quickly turn to shouts of “Crucify Him?”
Do we deny Him like Peter and repent thereafter? Do we profess our faith in Him like the centurion? Do we condemn Him like the Sanhedrin or suffer with Him on His way to Calvary like the Holy Women?
Like Pilate, do we take His part, repeatedly defending and advocating on His behalf before others, but then desert Him in the face of too much contention and resistance?
Do we ridicule Him or beg for His forgiveness like the condemned thieves on either side of Him? Drive the nails through His hands and feet or lovingly care for His Body? If we’re honest, the answer to all these questions is yes.
As we see ourselves in this Palm Sunday Gospel of the Lord’s Passion, we carry on the mission of Christ’s apostles by assuming the roles of His disciples. Stumbling and falling on our way. But getting back up on our feet and persevering. Repeatedly seeking reconciliation with the Father.
Because this story, which is our story, isn’t over. It continues this week. And it lasts forever.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
