PASSION SUNDAY
Isaiah 50:4-7; Ps 22
Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14-23:56
JESUS BEARS IT ALL FOR YOU
This is the last and most important week in the life of Jesus. This week marks the beginning of “his hour” and he embracing the will of the father in such a profound way which results in our salvation.
The first reading from Isaiah is taken from the third song of the servant of God. The first part of the reading describes the servant and the second part talks of his suffering. This servant can be referred to then, as the suffering servant of God. Today, as we mark the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, we also do so knowing that he goes to his passion.
The servant of God is one who has a well-trained tongue so that he could speak to the weary. To have a well-trained tongue means one who is properly instructed. The purpose of this instruction is so that he acquires the capacity to speak to people in a way that brings them solace, grace and the redemption of God. Jesus’ words are able to meet us at every point of our lives. Especially for the weary, the broken and lowly, his word comes to encourage and uplift. He himself says his words are Spirit and Life (Jn 6:63). The Word of God has power to save and to challenge us to greater heights and fulfilment of God’s will for our lives.
Whatever you are going through, open your hearts for the word.
The Servant of the Lord is one who also listens. Morning after morning he is awakened and his ear is opened so that he can hear. The words that Jesus speaks are the Words of God directly. This is because he is in constant relationship and communication with God. Indeed, he himself is the Eternal Word. To be able to listen to God’s word we must develop an authentic prayer life. A prayer life that is not dependent on our economic needs but the need for wholeness and union with our God. A prayer life that will enable us say with Jesus, “Our Father”, in our relationship with God the Father.
The second part of the reading describes the suffering of this servant of God. It describes the beating, the slaps and the blows on his face and his back. In it all, he embraces it. He does not run away nor complain. He does not retaliate or revenge. This description of the suffering servant is about the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ who will bear it all for our salvation.
The Word of God says he did not turn his back. It was a suffering he accepted willingly for your sake and my sake. For our sake he submits his will totally to the Lord in order to save us.
He embraces it courageously because he knows that the Lord will be by his side and he will not be ashamed. His confidence is in God because God never fails. In the face of suffering, He knew there will be joy. In the grip of death, He knew there will be resurrection.
Any one who resolves to totally submit to God will face some persecution. You may also go through moments of beating and insults from others. But never be discouraged. Follow Jesus and find confidence in the fact that God is always with his servant. God will grant us also rest from all our troubles and true victory.
Today as we begin the passion week, may the suffering of Jesus bring us the grace of salvation.
God Bless You.
BY Rev. Fr Delight Arnold Carbonu.
