Holy Week: the most solemn week in the Church's calendar. It begins with Palm Sunday, celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and by the end of the week he would be a dead man. Talk about a startling turn of events.... Crowds are fickle aren't they? Cattle could go from gently grazing to stampeding herd in an instant and human beings can go from peaceful gathering to rioting mobs in similar time. Pay attention to Palm Sundays reading that show both sides of our human nature: we have crowds shouting "Hosanna in the highest!" Such joy, such exuberance! five days later they would be shouting "Crucify him, crucify him!" Such hate! Crowds are fickle aren't they?
This past week crowds gathered in Washington as the justices of the Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. They were passionate in their beliefs, for and against, coming out with placard and poem, slogan and song. Whichever way the Justices eventually decide will result in a huge segment of the population feeling disenfranchized. Such is the work and effort of men. Not so the work of God, says the Church in Holy Week. Jesus' passion, death and resurrection brings salvation to all. It was offered to those who yelled 'hosanna' and to those who yelled 'crucify him', to those whose hands wiped His bloody face with a towel and to those whose hands held hammer and nail. It is the universality of our sinfullness that leads to the universality of God's gift of salvation and all that is required is that we repent, believe and be saved. God, the Supreme Justice has decided and no one need feel disenfranchized. Such is the work of God. This week put yourself in the story. Wave your palm fronds, shout your hosannas. Be amazed at Jesus' works, marvel at his teachings. Recognize your indifference and acknowledge even animosity. Feed on the meal he offers, learn as he washes the feet. Stand with him before Pilate's Seat of Judgement and follow him on the way to Calvary. Hear the sound of the hammer, listen to his last words. Stand vigilant at the tomb, tremble as the stone is rolled away. Worship him as he steps in the dawn-light of the new creation. BEHOLD, HE IS RISEN! Peace.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Hi, welcome to my weekly blog. I'm deacon Michel and I love blogging and the healthy exchange of constructive ideas. Now my mind has been known to wander on a million different things all at once so don't be surprised at what you find here. I often scratch my head and go 'Huh?' at my own thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts with me.
DisclaimerThis blog reflects MY ongoing Christian journey: insights gained through the Holy Spirit, my experiences, my studies, my relationships. The content of this website is solely that of Deacon Michel du Chaussee, and does not represent the Archdiocese of Miami or any other entity of the Roman Catholic Church in any official capacity. Needless to say, I hope that none of my writings are contrary to the doctrines of faith and morals that are reflected in Sacred Tradition or as taught and guarded by the Magisterium of the Church or to the truths of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
For I take seriously what a very wise man has often said to me: "Ordination is not license for private practice" - Msgr. A. Andersen Archives
November 2018
Categories |