Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Palm/Passion Sunday – March 25, 2018.

Readings: Is. 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24(R.2a);

 Phil. 2:6-11; Gospel – Mark 14:1-15:47 Or 15:1-39.

Theme: Imitating the Humble Saviour!

Introduction

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I welcome you heartily to yet another Passion Sunday. Palm or Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It reminds us of the messianic/triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to face his blessed passion which will of course give way to his glorious resurrection. Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to concretize our hope because, palms are signs that we are willing to march with Jesus, not only in moments of triumph and glory, but also in times of fall and agony. Let us, therefore process proclaiming Christ as our messiah! I would like us to reflect on, “Imitating the Humble Saviour” because Christ faced his passion as a humble servant willing to lay his life for his flock as we read in the Passion Narrative. 

Resume of Our Readings

Passion Sunday liturgy points to three essential theological insights:

1. Jesus’ Suffering as a Sign of love: In John 15:13, we are told “No greater love can a man have than to lay down his life for his friends.” This sacrificial act of love reveals God’s love for humanity and the reason for Christ’s passion.

2. Jesus’ Suffering as an Invitation to love: The scripture says “Love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12). The love which Jesus demonstrates further invites us to love one another as Christ has loved us.

3. Jesus’ Suffering as a Revelation about love: Mark 8:34 reveals:  “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This scripture discloses the depth of love God has for humanity. This covenantal love is equally expected of Christians.  

While liturgy reveals Jesus as the Lead Actor in this tragic episode, other actors or extras can be viewed as prisoners:

1. Pilate was imprisoned by his own weakness.

2. Priests (The High) were controlled not by the Truth but by their lust for Jesus’ blood.

3. Peter was imprisoned by his own weakness.

4. Judas ended his life as the prisoner of his helplessness.

Take Home Lessons

Are you disappointed in life? Are you suffering from a deathly disease? Are you heart-broken? Are your children a nightmare to you? Have you being betrayed? Have you lost a dear one? Is your marriage at the verge of collapse? Is your life on the brink of the grave? Is your hand like superglue – making it difficult for you to be generous? Is there a particular sin that is putting reverse gear in your spiritual growth? Do you find it difficult to forgive? Do you see yourself changing for Good? Well, there is Good News for you.

1. While those in any kind of difficulty especially IDPs, those who have been chased from their homes by ramping herdsmen and Boko Haram are encouraged to remember that there can never pain without gain, those who give up easily in life because of similar situations are reminded that there is no seat without sweet;

2. While Christians like Leah, the only Dapchi abducted Schoolgirl who is still in the hands of Boko Haram because she refused to be converted to Islam face persecution, Christians urged to remember that there be no vanquish without a victor and tomb without triumph;

3. While those who are championing the cause of a cross-less Christianity in the world as fake pastors are working to advance their own kind of “gospel”, Christians are charged to realize that there can never be a Cross without the crown of glory;

4. While those in political authority are sometimes taken away like Pilate because of power which make them manipulate the Truth and use power at their beg and call, we are reminded that temporal power is fleeting and only God is permanent;

5. While the wicked perpetrate evils such kidnapping and violent attacks on innocent citizens in our country, our liturgy calls us to reflect on the supremacy of love other evil and forgiveness other revenge;

6. While the celebration shows us that love is stronger than violence it reveals that humility is stronger than pride;

7. While the unkind are reminded that kindness is stronger than anger and those who are not gentle are reminded that gentleness is stronger than rudeness;

8. While belligerent people are called to embrace the fact that peace is stronger than war knowing fully well that there can never be huddles without hope.  

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week;

2. Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to solidify our hope because, palms are signs that we are willing to march with Jesus, not only in moments of triumph and glory, but also in times of fall and agony.

3. Jesus’ suffering is a sign of love;

4. Jesus’ suffering is an invitation to love;

5. Jesus’ suffering is a revelation about love.

Conclusion

Christ demands humility from you as an antidote to sin and a recipe for greater feats in your life. Little wonder, in our reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 2:6-11 we are told, “Though he was in the form of God…” The word Adonia, reveals Christ’s humanity and divinity. With God’s love in our hearts we can say, “We know we will not be shamed” as our first reading Isaiah 5:7 indicates. I pray that God will help us to: Give and not count the cost; fight and not to heed the wounds; walk and never get tired; toil and never to seek for rest; run and never get weary; be thirsty and never seek for a drink and labour without asking for a reward except to know that we are doing the will of God. May the blessings of Palm/Passion Sunday lead us through the Holy Week to a Glorious Easter Celebration. Amen!