[Luke 19:28-40; Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56]

Last Sunday, for those who used Year C readings we had Jesus stop the crowd from stoning the adulterous woman by asking them to look at themselves first before they condemned the woman. This Sunday we have the Jerusalem crowds again. Initially they are greeting Jesus like a triumphant king as He enters the city. Then we have many of the same people who have been persuaded by the Jewish leaders to form a crowd to condemn Jesus when we enter into the Passion of Christ.

A reminder for us all, of how easy it is, to be caught up and carried by a crowd or by the popular view.

These crowds can serve as a mini summary of the mission of Christ. Firstly, He came not to condemn us, but to save us; just as He saved the adulterous woman. Secondly, He is our King, His entry into Jerusalem was greeted by the crowd in the manner which befits a king, however, He entered on a donkey, not surrounded by an army. His Kingdom is one of peace, not war. Thirdly, He surrendered His life for us. Jesus was not condemned to die by the Jews nor the Romans; they were only living out the path God had chosen for them since the sin in the Garden of Eden. Jesus chose to die, as the Word made flesh; the same Word, which brought the world into being; He could have chosen a totally different way; but He chose to die, for us.

As we start Holy Week, we are drawn into the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. This is a special and solemn time for the Church. This is not something which we need to do, to get this week out of the way so that we can start rejoicing at the Resurrection. We are not just to experience this emotionally; this is an incredible time to deepen our faith. In this Year of Hope, we pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that we can experience every grace of this Paschal Mystery. This is not just a commemoration; in the liturgical celebrations this coming week we are plunged into the Paschal Mystery itself, dying and rising with Christ.

Further Reading

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

CCC 557-560: Christ’s entry into Jerusalem
CCC 602-618: the Passion of Christ
CCC 2816: Christ’s kingship gained through his death and Resurrection
CCC 654, 1067-1068, 1085, 1362: the Paschal Mystery and the liturgy

Please keep in your prayers this week

  • Polly and Audrey as they prepare to make their final preparations to come into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
  • The sick and housebound, those who are dying and those who are grieving.
  • Father Jean-Patrice that he makes a full recovery.
  • The continued fight to protect all life from conception until natural death.

Deacon Tony, 11th April 2025