Palm Sunday
First Reading: Is 50, 4-7
Second Reading: Phil 2, 6-11
Gospel Reading: Lk 23, 1-49
Today is Palm Sunday. Today begins the ‘Passion’ week. This Holy week, in the ‘year’ of Mercy, speaks about the mercy of God. Yes, the Sacred Scripture speaks about the ineffable mercy of God revealed in the history of humanity.
Prophet Isaiah is so deep in his experience, and so strong in his conviction of the abiding presence; unfailing fidelity, and day-to-day assistance of God in his life, that nothing really daunts him. “The Lord God helps me, therefore …” (I gave my back to those who struck me, and my checks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting). Yes, it is the Lord in his mercy who takes all our trials and tribulations; sufferings and pains on to himself. And that is exactly what St. Paul would say: “He emptied himself and took the form of a servant” (Phil 2, 6). God emptied himself in His mercy and love, so that we may be ‘filled in’ His spirit. God became ‘servant,’ so that we are no longer ‘slaves.’
God’s mercy and love culminates at the Cross, when Jesus pleads our ‘innocence’ and asks for our forgiveness – “forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”
The crucifixion of Jesus was deliberately conspired and systematically planned, yet, Jesus remains merciful even to the point of death. The wickedness of man is looked at as ‘not-knowing’ – not-knowing the mercy, love and the absolute goodness of God.
What is our attitude towards those who offend us? We may perhaps, forgive the offences of those whom we love. But, what about the offences of those whom we do not love or know? How do we reconcile with people who deliberately conspire and tarnish us when we are innocent? The Lord sets us a model to be followed. And if we are Christians we have no other model to be followed other than Christ’s model and way.
Our God is a God of mercy. He is mercy Himself. He suffers with us; walks the most difficult path with us; and sometimes even carries us on his shoulders. He shows us the way. If you are empty but not exhausted, just know that the Lord has emptied himself so that you are filled in. If you have sinned and failed, but not perished, just know that the Lord has taken it all on himself that you never perish. All because the Lord is full of mercy!
