On this Sunday, we find ourselves poised at the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred week of the year. Today’s two Gospel readings span the time between Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and His death and burial. The first reading is Isaiah speaking to the Jewish people in exile, telling of one who will suffer for the sake of the people…words that Christians understand to be referring to Jesus. The psalm continues in this vein, pre-figuring Jesus’ suffering and ultimate trust in God our Father. In the second reading, Paul speaks to Jesus’ humility and obedience, and how God our Father exalted Him because of it. Looking at the two Gospel readings, one thing that strikes me is the rapidity with which the people’s attitudes changed. In the space of four days, they turned from joyously welcoming Jesus into the city as “He who comes in the name of the Lord” to demanding His death and mocking Him as He died.  How very fickle, we think…how could they have done that?  But the fact is, we often do it also…we profess Jesus as Lord and Savior every weekend, but what do our thoughts and actions point to the rest of the week?  Often, I think, we find ourselves “going with the flow”; too quick to be judgmental, too quick to condemn those who don’t think or act as we believe they should. The second Gospel reading details Jesus’ passion and death.  There is much drama here, and yet a lot of details have been left out.  The writers of the day didn’t need to describe crucifixion; everyone knew how horrible it was. There is enough here, however, to allow us to walk with Jesus; to share His disappointment, His hurt, and His agony. And we should…this is our time to walk with Him, to just BE with Him this week, as He’s with us every day through our struggles.  Make the time to do that; Jesus died for each of us personally, so make the time to be with Him personally this week.  And just as He did, let us put our trust ultimately in God…all will be well in the end. Easter is coming!

Reflection by Parishioner John Ceglarek