Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.
“Looking Ahead” is a reflection on the Sunday readings, for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, by Father Perry.
By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor
Passion Sunday (a.k.a. Palm Sunday) is one of the most dramatic Sundays of the year in its presentation of the word.
At the very beginning of the Mass there is a brief ceremony including the blessing of the palms, and within the ceremony is a Gospel reading.
This is the only liturgy in the entire church year that includes two Gospels.
This first Gospel is a recounting of the “entrance into Jerusalem” by Jesus and his apostles.
It is glorious. The crowds are gathered, shouting, waving palms, and exuberantly rejoicing as Jesus enters their city.
Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Messiah?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”
They shout out “Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David!”
They want to make him king. Within half-an-hour into the liturgy, the same crowds are shouting: “Crucify him!”
This represents a week in the life of this city; literally, they are practically adoring him one day, then condemning him to a horrible death sentence just a few days hence.
Apart from the amazing drama, this sacred text reveals a frightening reality within the human condition — people are fickle! They love, then they hate. Then they love. Then they hate.
Are we really capable of such extremes? Are we able to be manipulated, controlled, deceived, and then deceive others so easily?
History is made on this day we retell on Palm Sunday.
History is also repeated again and again today with tyrants, cruel and controlling leaders, unjust and hate-filled governments, political parties without heart, and graft and corruption run amok.
This day is our day. This day is everyday. This day is so defining of the “fall” that corrupts human nature to the core.
This day is the reason that another day soon to follow — Easter — is even more important and even more defining.
Salvation, life, hope, newness, renewal, and metanoia.
