Pay attention to the prominence of Scripture in this Sunday’s Mass. We’ll hear the Gospel reading proclaiming Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. During our regular Liturgy of the Word, we’ll also read through the lengthy account of Christ’s passion (this year, from the Gospel of Matthew). In so many ways, it seems that beginning with Palm Sunday (and all throughout Holy Week), the Church is inviting us to feast on God’s Word in a deeper way than perhaps at any other time in the liturgical year. As disciples, our whole Christian life must be nourished not only by the sacraments, but by the Word of God. As Lent comes to a close, we can think back to our Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent, where Jesus tells us that “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4). The events we hear about during this time are the climactic moments in the unfolding plan of our salvation. By reading the Gospel accounts, we’re invited to participate in them through this liturgy which makes them present to us, here and now.
Paul’s Letter to the Philippians speaks of Jesus’ self-emptying love. Although he was God, Jesus took on our humanity and offered his life in humble obedience to the Father, accepting, wilfully, even death on a cross. When we consider our efforts to lead others to know the Lord, we’re invited to adopt his own way of reaching out to humanity. Do we enter into the lived experience of those we seek to evangelise? In what ways do we empty (humble) ourselves in order to draw near to them? Are we willing to set aside our plans, our agenda, our way of doing things, and willingly accept God’s way of doing things? Following the example of our Lord, our own efforts at evangelisation should be marked by humility and self-emptying love.
One of the ways we can participate in the celebration of these sacred days is to spend time reading the Scriptures for each day of Holy Week. Read the text, then sit in silence, allowing the words to wash over you. What moments or lines stand out to you? As you re-read the Gospel of Christ’s passion, read the words knowing that Jesus has done all of this for you.
