Palm Sunday, Year B

Mark 11:1–10 or John 12:12–16

Isaiah 50:4–7

Ps. 22:8–9, 17–18, 19–20, 23–24

Philippians 2:6–11

Mark 14:1—15:47

The journey through the season of Lent builds up an anticipation for the events of Holy Week. It is sad that so few Catholics ever make the choice to enter into the week in its fullness. The whole community is invited to participate on Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord with the procession of the palms at the beginning of the Mass and the proclamation of the Passion according to one of the Synoptic Gospels, this year from the Gospel according to Mark. For those who only hit the weekends, the next experience is Easter Sunday Masses, with the annual increase in numbers of attendees. But so much more goes on between Palm Sunday and Easter.

It is important to realize that the whole week is a Holy Week, the “high holy days” of the Catholic faith. As we look at the readings of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, we can glance at the unfolding of the events of the final week of the life of Jesus and make a new decision to claim them for ourselves. Why not participate in everything?

Isaiah’s Song of the Servant shows us the attitude of the Messiah as He faces the ordeal ahead of Him: “I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.” With all the words of preaching proclaimed, now the actions that flow from that Word that has been spoken are put into practice. Further fulfillment of prophecies will take place, but most of these will only be understood after the events follow their course. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians spells out the full promise for us: “he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 22, offers the source of one of the “last words” to be spoken on the Cross: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” These words conclude the act of self-emptying, embracing the full reality of human life even to the point of feeling forsaken by God. These are the last words spoken by Jesus in Mark’s account. A loud groan and a final breath are all that Mark recounts after the taste of wine put up to His lips.

Mark’s account gives us different scenes, each one worth some reflection. First, we receive a bit of information “behind the scenes,” with the plotting of chief priests and scribes. They decide to do this by treachery, not in the open. We are taken to a dinner in Bethany, where Jesus is anointed with costly oil in an alabaster jar. Some express indignation at such a waste.

For those who are following “The Chosen,” this year’s season presents a beautiful rendition of the encounter at Bethany. We get a real sense of the expression of love that also serves to bring out the scorn of those who are not open to Jesus’ invitation to share His life and the truth of who He is.

As the Passion according to Mark unfolds, we see the reactions and responses of individuals and groups. The emotions expressed are an indication of the real human drama of the whole event and a reminder that what we experience in our own way can be taken up into that of Jesus and His disciples. All of it is necessary in order to open our hearts to Jesus’ offer of salvation. He is our Messiah, our Savior, as the Man of Sorrows, the Suffering Servant.

Take time this week to reflect and pray the Passion. Consider claiming for yourself the whole Easter experience. Go to confession. Attend the Chrism Mass. Participate in the Easter Triduum: Holy Thursday’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Good Friday service with the Passion according to John, Veneration of the Cross and reception of Holy Communion, and Holy Saturday’s Solemn Easter Vigil, with the Service of Light, the readings of salvation history, the Rites of Initiation and the Eucharist. Then you will be ready to welcome the crowds of Easter Sunday and to share true Easter joy.