17/04/2011 - PALM SUNDAY - Year A
procession: Mt 21,1-11
1Reading Is 50,4-7 dal Salmo 21 2Reading Phil 2,6-11 Gospel Mt 26,14 - 27,66
The song of our Hosanna, by which we come to church carrying the olive tree,
contrasts the cry "Crucify him", of the crowd stirred up by the leaders:
Pilate was convinced to condemn Jesus. Will we remain faithful to the song that
we have raised? Our faithfulness will be severely tested by the many voices
that are heard every day around us, voices that want to distract us from continuing
to love the Lord crucified. The meditations and celebrations that are offered
to us in the days of Holy Week will help us in our faithfulness. They welcome
us to strengthen us in being disciples and to distance ourselves from the frivolous
and empty thinking of the world around us that can influence us.
We followed Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, he now leaves the city with the cross.
Then he was acclaimed, now he is being rejected. Then we remembered his miracles,
now everything is forgotten and everyone is happy with the freedom granted to
Barabbas. The only difference is the story experienced by Simon, a stranger,
not the disciple. This one is forced to serve Jesus and to accompany him. Jesus
is relieved, though Simon reluctantly follow him. This is a detail which is
mentioned briefly, before hearing all the insults and taunts that are addressed
to the Lord from the leaders and passers. They scoff at him with the words "save
yourself"! Save yourself is exactly the opposite of what Jesus has always
sought to do and teach. Who wants to save himself loses his life, loses his
union with God who is love that gives himself. To save oneself is the temptation
that continues to creep into the thoughts of men, and would want also to condition
the believers to make them believe that faith is useless and, hence, lower the
tone of their love, that love with which they should change the world.
Today, looking at Jesus, we want to adore him. Let us not be happy only to say
nice words of praise and love, but let us try to find opportunities to share
with him the love that he gives. This week we try find moments to die to ourselves
so to live a Word of the Lord: the words that propose prayer, fasting and charity.
Let us take part in the prayer of the community, open our hearts to the poor
of the world and especially to those around us in our home, and give up something
we like to eat or see or hear while giving more space for God and for mankind.