Sunday Gospel reflections: Active spectators
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Year A
‘Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.’ (Matthew 26:41)
We are beginning the most spiritually moving and powerful week of the Church year. To me, this week has always felt different. During the rest of the year, we are fully engaged in the Christian message. But this week, I feel like a spectator, albeit an “active” one.
I am conscious that this is not our week; it is Jesus’ week. This is not our work; it is his. And see also how poorly we humans are responding. Judas betrays him; Peter denies him; and the crowd yells, “Crucify him.” But Jesus trudges faithfully forward, in resolute fulfillment of his destiny.
You and I can only watch, marvel, and feel the moving power of these incredible days. We are “active spectators.” As the Scriptures tell us, “By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23).
— Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti
At the Procession with Palms: Matthew 21:1-11
Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
Philippians 2:6-11
Matthew 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54
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