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.
