The Path to Glory

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION 

First Reading: Is 50:4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Second Reading: Phil 2:6-11

Gospel: Mt 26:14—27:66

Theme: Suffering, Service, and selflessness

Today’s celebration recounts the glorious entry of Jesus to Jerusalem and the journey that Jesus experienced in saving us. The passion narrative that we’ve heard is the story that previews the paths that Jesus took in offering His life to the cross for our salvation. As we recount the experience of Jesus, let us consider each specific path.

First is the path of suffering. In Jesus’ passion and suffering, He shares and joins with our own personal passion and suffering. He suffered, and we suffered, so our suffering can be the basis for our friendship. We can suffer together. Thus, we, too, can offer our own sufferings in union with Christ, so we can be collaborators in suffering. We can be co-redeemers. This is the magnificent work of God in bringing us together in Himself.

 

Second is the path of service. In Jesus’ glorious entry to Jerusalem, He shows us the initiative to go in serving one’s beloved—ultimately in offering one’s life for us. "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13. Jesus’ total self-giving service is an act of love that cannot be compared with anyone else. This is the vocation of each and every one of us: to know, love, and ultimately serve the Lord and others. This is our vocation; this is what we are called for.

 

Third is the path of selflessness. In Jesus’ selflessness, St. Paul proclaimed to us, "Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." In His selflessness, the glory of God was revealed and manifested through Him, and the highest praise of men was seen in Jesus’ death on the cross for His love for each one of us.

 

Therefore, as we journey on this season of Lent, let us offer ourselves totally to God by offering our sufferings, serving our brothers, and giving our whole selves to others in need, so that at the end of this journey, we may share in His glorious Resurrection.