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

                                         Palm/Passion Sunday – April 14, 2019.

Readings: Is. 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24(R.2a); Phil. 2:6-11;

 Gospel – Luke 22:14-23:56.

Theme - Passion Sunday: Lessons in Self-Emptying 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, another Passion Sunday is here. 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 and so enter into his glory. Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to concretize our hope. This is 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.

As we go in procession with the palms today, we are urged to proclaim Christ as our messiah without fear. Therefore, I would like us to reflect on the theme: “Passion Sunday: Lessons in Self-Emptying.” The theme is so chosen because Christ faced his passion as a humble servant who is willing to lay down his life for his flock as we read in the Passion Narrative. 

  

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is. 50:4-7), the Prophets Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant. He presents the suffering servant as one who willingly offers his back to those who strike him and his cheeks to those who tore at his beard. He doesn’t turn away from insults and spittle but depends on God as his helper. Finally he says: “I have set my face like a flint, I know I shall not be shamed.”

The second reading (Phil. 2:6-11) presents Jesus as a humble servant who although was in the form of God, did not count equality with him a thing to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant; being born in the likeness of men. He further notes that he was humbler yet to accepting to death on the cross but God raised him up and gave him a name which is superior to all other names under heaven. That is why, he also states, every knee must bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. The gospel presents the Passion of the Lord according to Saint Luke (Luke 22:14-23:56).   

Passion Sunday: Theological Insights

1. Jesus’ Suffering is 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 is 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 is 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.  

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

                                         Palm/Passion Sunday – April 14, 2019.

Readings: Is. 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24(R.2a); Phil. 2:6-11;

 Gospel – Luke 22:14-23:56.

Theme - Passion Sunday: Lessons in Self-Emptying 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, another Passion Sunday is here. 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 and so enter into his glory. Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to concretize our hope. This is 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.

As we go in procession with the palms today, we are urged to proclaim Christ as our messiah without fear. Therefore, I would like us to reflect on the theme: “Passion Sunday: Lessons in Self-Emptying.” The theme is so chosen because Christ faced his passion as a humble servant who is willing to lay down his life for his flock as we read in the Passion Narrative. 

  

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is. 50:4-7), the Prophets Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant. He presents the suffering servant as one who willingly offers his back to those who strike him and his cheeks to those who tore at his beard. He doesn’t turn away from insults and spittle but depends on God as his helper. Finally he says: “I have set my face like a flint, I know I shall not be shamed.”

The second reading (Phil. 2:6-11) presents Jesus as a humble servant who although was in the form of God, did not count equality with him a thing to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant; being born in the likeness of men. He further notes that he was humbler yet to accepting to death on the cross but God raised him up and gave him a name which is superior to all other names under heaven. That is why, he also states, every knee must bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. The gospel presents the Passion of the Lord according to Saint Luke (Luke 22:14-23:56).   

Passion Sunday: Theological Insights

1. Jesus’ Suffering is 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 is 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 is 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.