Palm Sunday, Mar 24, 2013
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Today, Passion Sunday, is often known for its lengthy Gospel. Yes, of all the Holy Week Masses this Gospel from Luke is the longest. It can be difficult for the elderly and infirmed to stand for the whole time. Yet, the Church, in Her wisdom, gives us this entire passion reading to be done by four parts in order to bring home the humanness and drama of Christ’s last days.
Try to watch this video and not chuckleOK, a vocation is a serious matter, but sometimes there are things to laugh about. Watch our video, “Hearing God’s Call – Two Mercedarian Friars” on the of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. You’ll see Br. Matthew and Fr. Scott share some chuckles as they talk about their vocations.
Visit the Mercedarians’
This story is truly meant for television, and was in fact made into the enormously successful “Passion of the Christ” in 2004. Like most real-life dramas this one has intrigue, betrayal, and complicated characters. Looking at some of the typical movies and televisions shows produced today, we realize that as a society we prefer real events which include real people with real vices. Specifically, the concept of betrayal is often covered in plays and dramas since it is a painful reality for many. Betrayal can be defined as being false or disloyal to another — especially a friend.
Easier to forgive an enemy
The closer the friendship, the worse the pain; and what friendship is more intimate then marriage? Marriage is a lifetime exclusive relationship through which trust is required. Those who are betrayed by a spouse experience great pain. As William Blake says, “It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is betrayed in the most painful ways not once but actually several times. The first and most obvious betrayal was by Judas. Judas walked with Jesus for three years. He was chosen by Christ and given a special privilege as treasurer. Judas betrays his teacher and friend with an intimate sign of affection, a kiss. The second was Peter, who denies knowing Jesus three times. Last, and maybe most painful, Jesus is betrayed by his own people or nation, the Jews. Christ’s own people turn against Him and chose to release a criminal instead.
Our Lord, however, is not taken by surprise by these betrayals. In fact, Jesus prophesizes that he will be crucified, that one will betray him, and that Peter will deny Him. The Lord teaches us in the Gospel that real love entails a willingness to be vulnerable. Jesus does not avoid the betrayal which he foresees; in fact He gives His “…cheeks to those who pluck (His) beard… (and His)…face (He) does not shield from buffets and spitting…” Jesus could have run away. He could have avoided being hurt by those whom He loved the most, yet He doesn’t. Christ shows us a new way to love to the fullest. We too must learn that real love and commitment means being vulnerable and, yes, experiencing at times real pain from the beloved.
Brings great good
This vulnerable love is not rational. It is not natural, but supernatural. In the Cross, Christ turns the things upside down. Yes, the suffering and death of Christ is evil, but in His resurrection it can and does bring great good. We can know that no matter how painful the betrayal, we can unite our sufferings to His Cross. From this evil can come great good; conversion and salvation for all involved. This is the mystery of the Cross!
Yes this Passion Gospel is real, all too real for us. In Christ, what is painful and evil becomes an opportunity for forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. Sadness, hurt, and betrayal are not the end of this story! Christ triumphs over all these things and shows us how to live in true commitment and love for one another.