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Palm Sunday Homily My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Each year during Holy Week, we read two of the Gospel accounts of the Passion of Jesus. Today, Palm Sunday, we have just completed the first account which this year was from Saint Matthew’s Gospel. On Good Friday, we will read the Passion from the Gospel of Saint John. Last year, many of us saw the movie – the Passion of Christ. I hope and pray that this added emphasis will help us to reflect more deeply on the profound meaning of the Passion. But remember, the Passion is not simply a story nor is it only a movie. The Passion is the most vibrant and effective love account of all times. It is summarized in the biblical verse: “God so loved the world that He sent His Son Jesus to save us” and “Greater love than this no one has than that a man lay down His life for His friend.” The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus is called the Paschal Mystery. It is the Paschal Mystery that we re-enact in every celebration of the sacrifice of the Mass. Thus today, as we begin Holy Week, I invite you to join with me and with our brothers and sisters throughout the world as we celebrate the liturgies of the Paschal Mystery. These celebrations are not just historical recollections. They are opportunities to explore the meaning of suffering, of justice, of loss, of death and whatever hope there might be on the far side of death. This morning we began our solemn ceremonies with the blessing of the palm branches. We were reminded of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Then we heard the further story of how some of those who hailed Him as King later shouted for His crucifixion and death. Yet, through it all, Jesus never condemned them. He never resisted their attacks. He offered Himself up on the Cross and prayed for their forgiveness. To one extent or another, we are all somewhat like that fickle crowd. God has blessed us with life and everything else we have. He has promised us eternal salvation in His kingdom. At first, we rejoiced in that Good News of Jesus but every so often, we turn away from Him by turning to false gods. Whether it be drugs or alcohol or sinful sex; whether it is greed or envy; perhaps it’s money or power or prestige; whatever sin we commit is contrary to God’s plan and injurious to us. Likewise, the sins of omission (failure to fulfill our responsibilities) or lack of charity or decisions based on injustice offend God and our neighbor. Yet God does not abandon us. As Jesus, hanging on the Cross, forgave His persecutors and as He extended a firm promise of hope to the thief hanging on the cross next to Him who repented, so it is with us. God loves us totally and completely, so much so that He sent His Son Jesus to save us. This is the love story of the passion and death of Jesus. The resurrection is the triumph of God’s love for us as He overcomes sin and death. Thus when we gather together in faith – as we are right now – and later throughout this Holy Week, we do not question God’s love for us. God’s love is total and absolute. He lived, He suffered and He died for us. He rose up to new life which He now offers to share with us. The questions we need to ask are about ourselves. How are we responding to God’s sacrifice and His love? Are we truly repentant of our sins? Are we making every effort to come closer to God? Is our faith in Jesus the greatest priority of our lives? Meditate on this for a few moments so that we will then be able to make a public proclamation of our faith and celebrate the Paschal Mystery with reverence and devotion. Remember, re-enacted in this Eucharist is the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the blessings of the new and beautiful life He offers us. Amen. Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran Archbishop of Oklahoma City |