Sunday, , April 2, 2023

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

(Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27:54)

Fra Angelico included Saint Dominic in many of his paintings. One of his Crucifixion scenes has Dominic grasping the base of the cross. The Lord's blood drips from his hands and chest and spills from his feet as Dominic's eyes look up in adoration. Saint Dominic knows the value of Christ’s blood: the hefty price that Jesus paid to redeem the world from the penalty of their sins.

The blood of Jesus has a central role in the Passion according to Saint Matthew. At the Last Supper Jesus says that the cup of wine that he has blessed is his blood. He then declares that it will be poured out to forgive the sins of all. To take advantage of this offering, people must repent of their sins. That is, they must acknowledge that they have sinned and strive to change their behavior. It sounds simple, but humans, being what they are, have had great difficulty doing it.

In the narrative Pilate tries to wash his hands of the blood of Jesus. He doesn't want to admit that his unwillingness to confront the Jews with the truth will result in the death of an innocent man. Judas admits that he has sinned by betraying Jesus when he returns the thirty pieces of silver. However, instead of asking for Jesus' forgiveness, he hangs himself. The Jews also acknowledge responsibility for the death of Jesus when they say: “May his blood be on us and on our children!” But they give no indication of repentance.

Where are we in all this drama? Are we ready to admit our sins and change our behavior? Have we not been envious like the high priests by wishing bad for those who prove themselves more talented or more fortunate than we? Have we not abandoned Jesus like the disciples in Gethsemane by not praying to him daily? Have we not lied like Peter to avoid difficult situations? And have we not mocked other people like the passers-by and the crucified thieves mock Jesus? For these sins among others we have to ask the Lord's forgiveness.

Only by accepting responsibility for the blood of Jesus and repenting of our sins can we take advantage of what we celebrate this week. Only by asking Jesus’ forgiveness can we be saved from the penalty of our sins.

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