Palm Sunday

March 28, 2010

Is 50, 4-7
Phil 2, 6-11
Lk 22, 14-23, 56/ Lk 23, 1-49

I had the opportunity to visit Corregidor Island sometime ago. Among the now silent big guns and empty barracks once occupied by American and allied Filipino soldiers, one can find underground bunkers where hundreds of soldiers sought shelter from enemy attacks. There are exhibits showing how Americans and Filipino soldiers suffered during the seemingly relentless assaults of their Japanese attackers. At the conclusion of the tour, one feels an overwhelming feeling of sadness at the tragedy endured by the heroes in the defense of the motherland and also of gratitude for their sacrifice.

In a similar but even grander scale, Palm/Passion Sunday and Holy Week brings to mind the greatest sacrifice ever offered for the salvation  of not only one nation, but of all nations and peoples: the Passion and Death of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Passion of Christ invites us to reflect what Jesus did out of love for us. As a spiritual song asks us: “Were you there when they crucified my Lord…?

For us then, Passion Sunday and Holy Week is not just an “observance” but more of a loving remembrance of the sufferings and death of Christ. But we should go further: we need to express our deepest sorrows for our sins that led Jesus to suffer thus for us. This is the time to approach the merciful Savior in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to ask forgiveness for our sins; which in turn leads to conversion and new life in Him.

As we recall His Passion and Death, may we resolve to accept the sufferings that come our way, knowing that Christ who suffered infinitely more for us will support, console and strengthen us. And realizing the evil of sin, may we die to sin so as to live the new life of the Risen Christ. Lord, be merciful to us sinners!

Fr. Lino E. Nicasio, SVD
St. Jude Catholic School, Manila
The Word in Other Words