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.”
I found your website by receiving the beautiful rosary bracelet, and I thank you. I found your sermon and the essay on Good Friday both inspirational and extremely thought provoking. I will follow your offerings with thanksgiving. Thank you again.
Thank you for this deep reflection. From the dark emerges the light. God bless you.
As the homily states, a strange mix of Calvary. This is very hard to understand by us humans,yet it is a joyful message of hope in our discouraging world today. May we all strive to understand its meaning and draw upon its profound message for today.
May Holy Week bring all Christians to the realization as to how much Jesus loves us, cares for us, forgives us our sins through his unending grace. Amen 🙏
Thank You Father Bob for always providing an excellent weekly homily. I really look forward to reading them each week. May you and all the Friars have a blessed Holy Week and a very Happy Easter. With deepest gratitude for all that you and all the Friars do everyday to assist those in need on all levels. Thank you.
St. Anthony pray for us.
I enjoy reading the messages.🥰👍
Thank you for your inspirational reflection Fr. Bob. Just a curious – why do we title this day as Palm Sunday and not Passion Sunday.