In church on Palm Sunday, the priest and deacons will read The Passion of Jesus Christ. The story begins with Judas Iscariot making a deal with the chief priests to give Jesus to them for thirty pieces of silver. Later, when all the disciples gathered at the table for the Last Supper, also called the Passover, Jesus expresses his knowledge that one of his disciples will betray him. After much confusion, and worry among the disciples, it is revealed that Judas is the betrayer. Then, Jesus blesses the bread and wine and offers it to his disciples saying “Take and eat; this is my body…. For this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” As they made their way to Gethsemane where Jesus prayed, he revealed yet another disciple who will fall away from him by denying him. This disciple was Peter who would “deny [Him] three times” that day. Jesus knew everything that was going to happen, and even though he knew Judas would betray him and Peter would deny him, he still invited them to his supper. Jesus knows what sins we have committed and what sins we will commit, yet, he continues to invite us to the altar to receive him through the Eucharist. No matter what sin we commit, Jesus’ love for us is greater and with his forgiveness, we can “be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”

As we go through Holy Week, reflect on which character we take part in during Jesus’ Passion. Are we Judas? Do we go behind Jesus’ back and do bad things to him on purpose? Are we Peter? Do we deny Jesus and his love for us or our love for him? Be open about our faith. Are we the sons of Zebedee who fall asleep when we are supposed to be praying and keeping watch for Jesus? Are we the women who mourn for Jesus’ suffering? Can we be as courageous as Veronica to wipe his face of blood and tears and lend a hand in his long journey? Are we the people that mocked Jesus, spit on him, and threw rocks at him like everybody else?

It is easy to follow the crowd when we know they are wrong like when everyone else is committing a sin, but instead of justifying ourselves to say “because everyone else is doing it,” we need to stand up for what is right. Let us be Simon. We can make the journey to the cross easier for Jesus by praying for him and loving him and helping him. Continue to pray to God to help us be someone who will make things easier for Christ and do things to please him. Pray for guidance with the Holy Spirit to do and say the right things.

by Hồng Ân Chúa