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

 Palm/Passion Sunday – April 5, 2020.

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

 Phil. 2:6-11 & Gospel – Matthew 26:14-27:66 Or 27;11-54.

Theme – Emulating the Lamb

Sunday Synopsis

In the first reading (Is. 50:4-7), the Prophet Isaiah presents a suffering servant who willingly offers his back to those who stroke him and his cheeks to those who tore at his beard. In the second reading (Phil. 2:6-11), St. Paul reveals Jesus as a humble servant who although was in the form of God, did not count equality with him a thing to be grasped. The gospel (Matthew 6:14-27:66) also emphasized that Christ faced his death as a humble servant who laid down his life for his sheep. Our liturgy calls us to emulate the lamb who emptied himself and took the form of a salve for our sanctification, glorification and redemption.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, another Passion Sunday is here again. Passion or Palm 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. Our reflection titled: “Emulating the Lamb,” reveals how Christ went to the Cross like a lamb being led to the slaughter. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is. 50:4-7), the Prophet Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant. He presents the suffering servant as one who willingly offers his back to those who stroke 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 maintains 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 narrative (Matthew 26:14-27:66) discloses the Passion of the Lord. It reveals how the Pharisees and elders of the people brought up all sorts of charges against Jesus. It further demonstrates that although Pilate was ready to set him free, the Jews who once praised him with palm branches in their hands shouted: “crucify him, crucify him.” In the end, we are told that Pilate handed him over to them. Matthew also emphasized that Christ faced his death as a humble servant who laid down his life for his flock. 

Three Theological Insights About Passion Sunday

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. 

While our liturgy reveals Jesus as the Lead Actor in this tragic episode, other actors or extras can be viewed as prisoners: (a) Pilate was imprisoned by his own weakness; (b) Priests (The High) were controlled not by the Truth but by their lust for Jesus’ blood; (c) Peter was imprisoned by his own weakness and (d) Judas ended his life as the prisoner of his helplessness.

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. There’s No Pain Without Gain: Those in any kind of difficulty are encouraged to remember that there can never pain without gain, seat without sweet.

2. There’s No Vanquish Without a Victor: Christians like Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi abducted Schoolgirl who is still in the hands of Boko Haram because she refused to be converted to Islam face persecution are urged to remember that there can be no vanquish without a victor and tomb without triumph.

3. There’s No Cross Without a Crown: Those who are championing the cause of a cross-less Christianity in the world and fake pastors are working to advance their own kind of “gospel” are charged to realize that there can never be a Cross without the Crown of Glory.

4. There are No Huddles Without Hope: Belligerent people are called to embrace peace because it is stronger than war – besides,  there can never be huddles without hope.

5. Temporal Power is Fleeting: Those in political authority are sometimes carried away by power like Pilate which makes them manipulate the Truth and use power arbitrarily - we are reminded that temporal power is fleeting but only God is permanent.

6. Love is Superior to Hate/Evil: 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.

7. Love is Stronger than Violence: The celebration shows us that love is stronger than violence, it equally reveals that humility is stronger than pride as demonstrated few days ago when Pope Francis kissed the feet of leaders of South Sudan to plead with them to give peace a chance in their country.

8. Kindness is Greater than Anger: The unkind are reminded that kindness is stronger than anger, those who are not gentle are assured that gentleness is stronger than rudeness;

9. Self-emptying is the Key: While we live in a world where power, arrogance and pride seem supreme, Palm Sunday liturgy challenges us to take lesson in self-emptying.

Summary Lines

1. In the first reading the Prophet Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant.

2. The second reading 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.

3. The gospel narrative (Matthew 26:14-27:66) discloses the Passion of the Lord.

4. It reveals how the Pharisees and elders of the people brought up all sorts of charges against Jesus.

5. It further demonstrates that although Pilate was anxious to set him try, the Jews who once praised with palm branches in their hands shouted: “crucify him, crucify him.”

Conclusion

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: Christ demands humility from you as an antidote to sin and a recipe for greater feats in your life. May God 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. May the blessings of Palm/Passion Sunday lead us through the Holy Week to a Glorious Easter celebration. Amen!