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Palm Sunday – March 24, 2024

The Common Thread

Strength can fail us because of guilt. But if we trust in the Lord, he sets us free by the blood of the covenant that has made with us. Because the Son of God took on human form and was obedient to his Father’s will, suffering the death that all deserve, we are not only liberated from our sin guilt, but are set free to live godly lives (Phil 2:1-4). This is the grand fulfillment of the Scriptures: salvation through God’s Christ, who suffered death so that we may live both now and forevermore. 

First Reading – Zechariah 9:9-12

This story is harbinger of the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem (Matt 21:1-11). His triumph rests on humility, just as the king is seated upon the lowly donkey. He crushes his adversaries with peace. In yielding himself, he conquers all. Through the blood of his covenant, we are presented with true hope and are set free. This is all accomplished peacefully, with a word. The king will decree it; he will speak it into existence. In the meanwhile, as “prisoners of hope,” we must keep returning to our stronghold, our fortress — the Lord (Psa 92:1).

Psalm – Psalm 118:19-29

This psalm, in its original sense, depicts those coming into the beautiful temple of the Lord to worship God. Only the righteous, those whom God saves and makes righteous could enter. From the Christian perspective, the gate of the Lord is his Messiah. We may enter into the glory of God, and dwell in his house forever, only through Christ Jesus (John 14:6). This too, is the Lord’s doing—not ours—and cause for glad rejoicing. 

Alternate Reading – Psalm 31:9-16    David recognizes and admits that his own sin causes him problems. Who among us would not acknowledge this universal truth? Yet the psalmist declares it in the temple in song. He also notes that others are also causing him difficulties. The speak ill of him and plot his downfall, but he entrusts himself to the Lord. He also knows that they are not in control. God is in control, so instead of fighting back, he ask God to rescue him.

Second Reading – Philippians 2:5-11

Imagine having the mind of Christ. The task is tough but the idea is simple enough. It begins with not thinking too highly of yourself. Next time you are in a committee meeting and someone across the table takes a shot at you, take it in stride. Think to yourself, “This is what Jesus also endured — and more.” Humble yourself. Take the heat and let the warmth in your face subside without returning fire.

Jesus, though God, humbled himself, taking the form of a mere man. He endured humiliation of the highest magnitude, even suffering death on a cross for our sake. God highly exalted him, and he will come to your defense, too. This is having the mind of Christ: being a humble servant. It is not a difficult concept, but you will need the Spirit’s help to carry it out.

Gospel – Mark 14:1–15:47

It is usually said that there is a calm before the storm. For the Church, there was a storm before there is peace. Today’s Gospel lesson is replete with examples. Disciples will fall away. The Shepherd will be struck and sheep scattered before the Great Shepherd will go before the sheep again. Before Peter takes up the mantle of Apostle, he would deny his Lord three times. Nights of groaning prayer and a particular hour of distressed prayer would yield betrayal. The storms of trial, mockery, whipping, crucifixion, and death followed. Yet, despite these storms, the promise remains. After the storm — and often in the midst of the storm — Christ’s disciples experience a peace that surpasses understanding (Phil 4:7).

Processional Gospel: John 12:12-19
After the raising of Lazarus, Jesus became so popular that the crowds laid palm branches before him as he rode into Jerusalem. As palm branches were a national emblem of the Jews, it appears that Jesus was becoming a public hero who was expected to usher in a new Jewish age. Of course, this exasperated the Pharisees who were dejected and about to give up in their attempts to silence Jesus. Imagine how Jesus’ disciples must have gotten caught up in the excitement. It took his resurrection for them to be able to understand that his kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36).