SOCL, PalmB24
- Admin
- Mar 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 8, 2024
Sunday March 24, 2024
Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last
See
There is a core similarity between the four accounts of the death of Jesus in the New Testament. However, they differ in sequence and in details, allowing various understandings of the cross to unfold. Because the death of Jesus was and is such a deeply mysterious and indeed perplexing event, different dimensions are explored and laid bare by different New Testament writers. None is more stark than Mark’s Gospel: all who knew Jesus have failed him; his only “helper” is a complete outsider, Simon, the unknown passer-by. The only acknowledgment comes from the unnamed Gentile soldier, accidentally present.
Listen
Reflect
(Mark 14:1-15:47)
-The injustice and brutality of the Passion of Jesus make it a difficult story to read as good news. Yet in the midst of that cruelty the courageous, faithful and self-sacrificing love that Jesus shows for us shines through. Recall moments when the account of the passion has moved you in a special way. How have you experienced blessing through it?
-Human love can also be painful. When have you experienced the courage, fidelity and self-sacrifice of others in their love of you? When have you shown that kind of love to others as a parent, a spouse, or a friend or in some other relationship?
-We read the Passion story in the light of resurrection. What seemed a humiliating and shameful failure for Jesus was not the end of the story. Perhaps with hindsight you can look back on something that seemed like a tragedy at the time but out of that tragedy new life and new possibilities followed for you.
-For each of us there arise situations in which we feel things are outside our control and we are utterly helpless and powerless. We are not alone in this experience. In his Passion, Jesus is one with us in this human helplessness. When have you found that the presence of another helped you through a crisis? When have you been able to help another with your presence?
Pray
O God of eternal glory, you anointed Jesus your servant to bear our sins, to encourage the weary, to raise up and restore the fallen. Keep before our eyes the splendour of the paschal mystery of Christ, and, by our sharing in the passion and resurrection, seal our lives with the victorious sign of his obedience and exaltation. We ask this through Christ, our liberator from sin, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever. Amen.
Act
-Embrace Diversity: Appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds to enrich your understanding.
-Show Compassion to Outsiders: Extend kindness to those marginalized or overlooked in society.
-Acknowledge Acts of Kindness: Express gratitude for small acts of kindness and those who positively impact your life.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ab, March 24). Palm Sunday of the Lord’s passion. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032424.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
Comments