It goes without saying that the passion narratives expound on the fact that sin and evil are very real in the world and in our human family. The figures in these texts are not unlike our dealings with the broken children of God whom we deal with on a daily basis. self-righteousness, deceit, dishonesty, and self-interests destroy relationships with God and others.
Jesus, set in the middle of this brokenness continues to move towards the goal that is set for him. Throughout the Gospels Jesus is insistent that the Kingdom of God is to be nurtured and nourished. To do so though means that we commit ourselves to what is true and good; not allowing ourselves to be dissuaded by the temptation of authority of greatness. Jesus shows us what it means to be a suffering servant by boldly accepting the cross and continuing the mission that has been entrusted to him.
This Holy Week is an opportunity to consider our place in the passion story. Are the apostles overwhelmed by fear, the crowds which evolve with the mob, or the faithful women at the foot of the cross. This week gives us a chance to re-kindle our identity and conviction to Christ Jesus. I am always saddened by the fact that many catholics do not take this week more seriously. Okay maybe they cannot go to Mass, but to spend some time in prayer and reflection.
To be sure this time is filled with long liturgies. But sometimes simply to sit, reflect, and to consider the journey towards Jerusalem we are all called to walk. The Paschal Mystery invites us to stand openly before God with all of our faults and foibles hanging out. How can we embrace the cross and set things right with God and others? Like the apostles we can say, "Let us go up to Jerusalem with him to die."
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