As we gathered this morning for the blessing of the palms to begin our procession with Jesus on this Holy Week Pilgrimage, the mood was somber, but at the same time jubilant. We heard the following words of instruction: "Today we gather together to herald with the whole Church the beginning of the celebration of our Lord's Paschal Mystery, that is to say, of his Passion and Resurrection. For it was to accomplish this mystery that he entered his own city of Jerusalem. Therefore, with all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord's entry into the city for our salvation, following in his footsteps, so that, being made by his grace partakers of the Cross, we may have a share also in his Resurrection and in his life."
As we processed outside to the chapel on a glorious spring morning, the mood was jubilant with the knowing of embarking on a most gifted journey. The singing of "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! can't help but raise our hearts in glorious anticipation for the gift of Easter.
The first reading (Isaiah 50:4-7) immediately brought on a somber mood as we heard the following Messianic prophecy: "I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting." The Responsorial Psalm (22) uttered the feeling of complete abandonment, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" The second reading (Philippians 2:6-11) was more jubilant as it sings of Jesus' mission, emptying himself, coming in human likeness, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. This act bespeaks his ultimate gift of love whereby "at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." In fact, this message reminds us of our Baptismal commitment and vocational call in life, to follow Jesus and proclaim Jesus with the same heart of love.
Then we listened to the long Passion narrative (Mark 14:1-15:47). It would take me to this time next year to blog about the meaning of this Gospel because it is just so full of implications for my life's journey. Perhaps it is an invitation to take just one section per day throughout Holy Week and place myself in the story to ponder its meaning at this time in my life. While listening to the Gospel, my heart flip flopped between feelings of sorrow and joy: the joyous extravagance of the woman with the alabaster jar anointing Jesus' head and Jesus' recognition of her prophetic role, the sorrowful betrayal, the making ready for the Passover celebration, the sharing of bread and wine (Body and Blood) at the Last Supper, Peter's denials, Jesus' Gethsemane and Sanhedrin experience, the Crucifixion, and the Burial. The Gospel ends with "Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses watched where he was laid." And so I am called to watch also. To continue to watch my heart as I ponder this Passion narrative throughout the week. I will hear sections of this Gospel repeated in the liturgy throughout the rest of the week. And, of course, I will again experience the various nuances of sorrow and joy as I hear it again on Good Friday. In the meantime, I "Remain here and keep watch" as I journey with Jesus on the most holy of journeys.
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| Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane Sacred Heart Monastery Cullman, Alabama |
