Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Palm Sunday:  April 2, 2023
 
Isaiah 50:4-7:  It helps to understand the message of this passage by looking at the passage preceding it. The people had complained to the prophet; accusing God of abandoning them. Through the prophet, God tells the people that, despite their sins He hasn’t abandoned them, but merely responded to their sinfulness by allowing them to face natural consequences of their sin. The people have weak faith and don’t believe  in God’s promises of deliverance.
 
In a sacrificial atonement response, Isaiah expresses thankfulness to God for giving him a “well-trained tongue” (eloquence, diplomacy and persuasiveness), to inspire the people to re-embrace their faith. Isaiah humbly acknowledges that God has opened his ears to receive God’s messages. The prophet also docilely accepts persecution, with Christ-like self-abandonment. Like Jesus, Isaiah submitted; peacefully suffering, with trust in God’s help and a future eternal reward for working to extend God’s Kingdom.
 
Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?” Notice that our first reading today is a reassurance from God that He hasn’t abandoned us. That theme continues with this psalm of lamentation; quoted by Jesus, from His Cross, when He said: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Other words of the psalmist could be   spoken by our Lord, Himself from the Cross, with amazing accuracy in their description of the tortures endured by Jesus: “they mock me… they have pierced my hands and my feet… they divide my garments… for my vesture they cast lots…” However, notice that this psalm ends with firm proclamations of faith and trust in God: “You who fear the Lord, praise Him… give glory to Him… revere Him!” Take time to     ponder this call to trust in and praise God; even in our times of    greatest agony and suffering! Trust in God!
 
Philippians 2:6-11: The overwhelming magnitude of the Sacrifice  Jesus makes is proclaimed today by St. Paul. Jesus humbly takes on human flesh to sacrifice and die for us; in order to redeem our souls from the damnation we deserve for our sins. Because of Jesus’ humility, acceptance of suffering and self-sacrifice, God now exalts Him as Lord of all. Jesus is truly our Messiah, Savior and Redeemer! As Paul proclaims, Jesus is worthy of all of our faith, love, adoration, praise and eternal gratitude. Let’s reflect this week… do we make enough effort to adore, worship, praise and thank our merciful Lord and Savior? Do we over-prioritize other areas of focus in our lives to the detriment of our spiritual lives?  The Good News is that we’re  being invited to change that! Let’s make our relationship with God our first priority!
 
Matt 26:14-27:66: Today’s Gospel starts by recounting the betrayal of Jesus by Judas and shows Jesus’ prediction of all the Apostles’ scattering and having their faith shaken. However, Jesus doesn’t end this prophecy with a pessimistic tone, but notes that “after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Despite the imminent and temporary illusion of the Church’s being disbanded, Jesus already has plans for its reconvening and triumph. Even at this painful hour, Jesus has faith and trust in God and the Resurrection! He knows that His ministry will be eternal and victorious over the forces of darkness!

Do take some time this week to contemplate and reflect on Jesus’ Passion, death and Resurrection. Let’s allow ourselves to “own” our current areas of suffering and commend them, through Jesus, to God. You’ve already redeemed us, O Lord, O faithful God… Jesus, we trust in You!
 
Meditatively,
Deacon Matt