HUMILITY TO EMBRACE SUFFERINGS - 04/02/23 (Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion)

Matthew 21:8–9

The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040223.cfm

Blessed Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion! We cannot separate Palm Sunday from the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ. This is why after reading the gospel passage at the procession with palms, the next readings for the Mass are about the passion and death of Jesus on the Cross. When we face suffering in life, some of us may simply say, "Well, it already happened. We cannot do anything about it." And, if we are given the ability to see the sufferings we will endure in the future, some of us may think of ways to avoid experiencing it. But, this is completely different from the life of Christ. The crowds and the followers of Christ were praising Him as they entered Jerusalem although they were unaware of what would happen there. Meanwhile, our Lord Jesus knew the passion and death that was awaiting Him, but He still chose to enter Jerusalem. Why is this the case? It's because of His love for the Father and for us. He's obedient to the Father, and Jesus wanted us to receive the gift of salvation which would only take place if He would offer Himself on the Cross. This time, Jesus does not teach us how to carry the cross and enter heaven through parables or through words in His sermons. Instead, He has demonstrated it through His own example and actions. How can we imitate Jesus Christ?

What we need to follow  Him is humility. This is shown in the readings in many ways, including when He rode on a donkey to enter Jerusalem. Jesus Christ is the King of the Universe. And yet, He chose to ride on a donkey to show the importance and necessity of humility. One proof of a genuine type of humility is prayer. If we are humble, all that we will seek is the will of God. Because humility is about knowing the truth and God is the truth, it follows that knowing and doing the will of God is the greatest expression of humility. This is why in the agony of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, He said, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will (Matt 26:39)." Jesus also spoke to His disciples about the importance of prayers saying, "Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt 26:41)." It's part of our humanity to have fears, but through humility, we will recognize our weakness, find strength in God and say "yes" to His will, no matter how many sufferings we will face for the sake of love for God and our neighbors. And, when we fall to temptations, Jesus wants us to immediately beg forgiveness from Him and persevere to do what is right no matter what. This is a true sign that we place our hope in Him when we will keep clinging on Him amidst our mistakes in life. Let's reflect on how we will engage in this holy week, the holiest of all weeks, in a fruitful and devoted manner. And, may we remember to beg for the grace from God to do His will. When we also suffer, let's immediately turn to Him because He will grant us the strength to carry our crosses. By looking at the example of Jesus Christ, our model of humility, we will be able to follow His example of sacrifice in preparation for our glorious resurrection. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Fasting and Abstinence during Lent:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56337/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth