As we get ready to celebrate Palm Sunday, we are drawn to the picture of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of the colt. There is great rejoicing among all Jesus’s followers who greet him with palms waving and loud praise for all the miracles that Jesus has done. Such a joyous occasion which is soon to fade into great sadness.
Our gospel begins with Jesus and the disciples sitting down at the Last Supper. Jesus offers bread and states “this bread is offered as my body”. Jesus takes the cup of wine and states “this wine is my blood" which is offered for the covenant. Afterwards Jesus explains that one of them will betray him tonight. The disciples all rush to tell Jesus that certainly it will not be me. Jesus tells them that what was written, will be fulfilled in him. Jesus goes to pray to God in the Garden to ask if it is possible that God may take this cup from him, but still not my will but thy will be done.
Then Judas appears leading a large group of soldiers and chief priests who have come to arrest him. Peter grabs one of the soldier’s sword and cuts off his ear. Peter says to Jesus “Run Jesus”. Jesus says to Peter, “No Peter, those who live by the sword, will die by the sword.” Jesus restores the soldier’s ear. Following this, Jesus is led back to the temple for sentencing.
Jesus is questioned by the Chief Priest who twists Jesus’s word and finds Jesus guilty. The priests bring Jesus to Pontius Pilate for sentencing. Pilate finds out that Jesus is a Gallelian and he sends him to King Herod. After King Herod and his soldiers treated him badly and mocked Jesus, Herod returns Jesus back to Pilate for a final judgment.
Jesus is scourged and beaten by the soldiers. During this time, Peter denies Jesus three times as Jesus foretold. Jesus is condemned to die and must carry his cross to Calvary Hill. Jesus is weakened and exhausted; still he finds the strength to carry out the Father’s will. Jesus though innocent, is crucified on the Cross.
There are two criminals that are also crucified with Jesus. One of the criminals jeers at Jesus and says, “If you are the King of the Jews; save yourself and us.” The other criminal rebuked him saying, “Have you no fear of God. We have been condemned justly. But this man is innocent.” This criminal asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus replies, “Amen I say to you. This day you will be with me in Paradise.”
Later a darkness comes over all the land until three o’clock in the afternoon. The sun is eclipsed and the vale of the temple is torn. Jesus cries out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Jesus breathes his last breath. Such a great sadness falls over all the lands and people. However, this is not the end. The greatest love of all will bring Jesus back to us in the Resurrection.
Our faith allows us to believe the greatest promise that God ever gave us was his only Son who came to save us. Through Jesus, we are now able to attain everlasting life with Jesus in Heaven.