Fr. Bob’s Homily – Palm Sunday 2020

Today for Catholics and Christians around the world we start the holiest week of the year, Palm Sunday. The week starts from Sunday to Saturday. The mood of the gathered assembly will eventually move from adulation and adoration to murder, mourning, and mayhem. Moreover, before the week has ended, the thorns and nails of the Friday we call “Good” will replace the palm branches of Palm Sunday.

Shouts of “Alleluia” and “blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” will be drowned out by the mocking sneers and cries of, “crucify Him, crucify Him.” A spirit of exaltation will dissolve into the horror of execution. Jesus would claim victory by being defeated. He would establish His reign by serving and by dying. This throne would be the cross.

His crown was a weave of thorns and hatred was the dominant theme. However, Jesus kept on loving regardless of what they did to Him. He never lapsed into ill will; He never longed for revenge. When the day was finished, hate lay beaten in the dust. Love hung triumphantly on the cross. It was a strange mix at Calvary.

On the one side lay fear, hate and stupidity. On the other side lay faith, hope and love. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?  Yes, we were all there and we are still there today. The only question is – on which side will we stand?  Will it be on fear, hate & stupidity or on faith, hope and love?

How will we live our lives? Will we say, crucify him and like Pontius Pilate, wash our hands of Him, or receive the sacrifice He has done for us?

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are all healed.”