Again, on this Passion Sunday, we prepare for the most sombre and holy week in the Christian calendar, as we draw near to Jesus and share in his Paschal mystery. We can get as close to Jesus as we like, or not, as did so many of the fair-weather friends of our Lord, including some in the inner circle. We can do this by loving – standing with Jesus in his time of need or as people who are fearful – moving away and leaving him alone when he needs us the most. Love is letting go of fear and it’s a matter of choice!
As you reflect on the poem ‘Palm Sunday’ by Australian priest and poet Malcolm Guite may it draw you deeper into the mystery of this coming week:
Now to the gate of my Jerusalem,
The seething holy city of my heart,
The saviour comes. But will I welcome him?
Oh crowds of easy feelings make a start;
They raise their hands, get caught up in the singing,
And think the battle won. Too soon they’ll find
The challenge, the reversal he is bringing
Changes their tune. I know what lies behind
The surface flourish that so quickly fades;
Self-interest, and fearful guardedness,
The hardness of the heart, its barricades,
And at the core, the dreadful emptiness
Of a perverted temple. Jesus come,
Break my resistance and make me your home.
May this Holy Week deepen your faith and love of Jesus the Christ as we together share his sufferings, that we may truly celebrate the living power of the resurrecton at the dawn of Easter Day.
Shalom,
Mother Lynda
Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-18, Phillipians 2:5-11, Mark 15:1-47