The liturgy of Palm Sunday is designed to reflect the dramatic mood swing that accompanies the events of that day when Jesus was triumphantly welcomed into Jerusalem, only to face his rejection and crucifixion a few days later. On one occasion, I experienced the excitement, especially among the children, when a live donkey led the procession into the church. More difficult is the challenge of helping the congregation adjust to the change of mood as we read the Passion a few minutes later.

This year the Passion is from Saint Luke. Unlike the Passion of Saint John, which we read on Good Friday, the narratives of Matthew, Mark and Luke are very different. John has Jesus in control: indeed, we could almost say triumphant, as he dies on the cross, “accomplishing” all he had been sent by the Father to achieve.

By contrast, in the synoptic gospels there is little to lift the darkness surrounding the events that lead to Calvary. However, in Luke, who was a doctor and throughout his gospel concentrated on Christ’s compassion for the sick and the sinner, there are a few unique encounters, which are worth noting. Firstly, we are told that large numbers of people followed Jesus as he carried his cross.

Turning the attention from himself to them, he said: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children.” Then, after he had been nailed to the cross, he offers this remarkable prayer to his Father: “Forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.” And finally comes the intense exchange with the two criminals who were being executed with him. As one begins to abuse Jesus and challenge him as to whether he is the Christ, the other rebukes him with the reminder that the two of them deserve punishment, at the same time, noting that Jesus had done nothing wrong. Then comes his heartfelt request: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” and the most wonderful promise in reply: “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

As we enter Holy Week, I suggest that we guard against being overwhelmed by the darkness of the events that surround Christ’s Passion or even the darkness we may be experiencing in our own lives and times. Certainly, across the world there is a great deal of tension and anxiety as people view the rise of extremist views along with the dangers of climate change that are beginning to threaten the very existence of our planet. The pope has declared this year a Jubilee Year in which we see ourselves as pilgrims in hope.

Accordingly, I suggest we listen attentively to the Lord, praying to his Father to forgive us, with the promise – also to be found in St John – that he is going to prepare a place for us in his Kingdom, where there will be room for us all!

Timothy J Buckley CSsR

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