REFLECTION

Gospel

And when the hour came, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said to them: With desire I have desired to eat this meal with you, before I suffer. For I say to you, that from this time I will not eat it, till it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And having taken the chalice, he gave thanks, and said: Take, and divide it among you: For I say to you, that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, till the kingdom of God comes.

And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake; and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me. In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you. But yet behold, the hand of him that betrayed me is with me on the table.

And the Son of man indeed goeth, according to that which is determined: but yet, woe to that man by whom he shall be betrayed. And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife amongst them, which of them should seem to be the greater. And he said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them, are called beneficent. But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is the leader, as he that serve.

For which is greater, he that sits at the table, or he that serves? Is it not he that sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serve,  And you are they who have continued with me in my temptations: And I dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to me, a kingdom; That you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom: and may sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren. Who said to him: Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said: I say to thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, till you three times deny that thou know me. And he said to them: When I sent you without a purse, script, and shoes, did you want anything?

Luke: 24: 13-35

Reflection

Our reading today invites us to experience both exuberant joy and profound sorrow. The joy emerges during the procession of Palms gospel when Jesus enters Jerusalem with “…people spreading their cloaks on the road…” and praising God “…for all the mighty deeds they had seen.”  Those who had heard about or seen him were joyful as he rode into Jerusalem on a colt. 

The gospel during the liturgy plummets us into the depth of sorrow as we hear the description of the terrible injustice of the capture of Jesus, the interrogation by Pilate and Herod, and finally, the anger of the crowd calling for his crucifixion. Those who loved Jesus were overwhelmed with feelings of powerlessness and terror. They wanted him to return to them and continue to lead with compassion and grace. But for him to return in human form was not to be.

During this reflection time, Russia has invaded Ukraine and the atrocities of violence and ruthlessness pummel our senses day in and day out. Over three million people have fled the country as evil infiltrates in the form of mass destruction. Like the disciples and followers of Jesus, we too are experiencing powerlessness and fear.

Several days ago, during the Angelus prayer at the Vatican, Pope Francis said, “Those who wage war forget humanity. They do not start from the people; they do not look at the real life of people but place partisan interests and power before all else. They trust in the diabolical and perverse logic of weapons, which is the furthest from the logic of God…put down your weapons! God is with the peacemakers, not with those who use violence”. The words of Pope Francis will continue to echo throughout this holiest of weeks when we face the violence of the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Holy Week is upon us with its messages of hope and despair; joy and grief—intermingled with the promise of salvation. There is a call here to invite Jesus to become a deeper part of our lives. May he be the lens with which we act, serve, and see. And as the world experiences our peaceful actions of love, compassion, and prayer, perhaps they too will declare: “That is Jesus!”

Julie Leonard - Welfare Leader / Religious Education Leader