(Source from The Word Among Us)

Hosanna! (Mark 11:9)

The two Gospel readings today can give us emotional whiplash. As Mass begins, we hear the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We may even wave our own palm branches and join the crowd in shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). Then, in the Liturgy of the Word, we hear Mark’s passion account. Once again, we join our voices with the crowd—but this time, we cry out, “Crucify him!” (15:13). How jarring!

Why does the Church have us play a role in both of these readings as we begin Holy Week?

It’s all for one purpose: so that we can grasp more fully what Jesus did for the crowds back then—and for us. As we will see throughout Holy Week, he accepted the suffering set before him and freely offered himself for his people, regardless of how they responded. Whether they acclaimed or condemned him, he loved them just the same. And that’s how he loves us.

Jesus is not put off by our fickleness. That’s good news! Because if we’re honest, we can all recognize times when our own commitment to the Lord and our love for him has wavered. When life is going well, it’s not so hard to praise him. But it can be another story altogether when danger threatens or sadness darkens our outlook.

So allow these passages to motivate you to pay attention to this final week in Christ’s life. Acknowledge the inconstancy of your own love for Jesus and ask him to strengthen you. But don’t stop there! Open your heart to the liberating truth that Jesus loves you even when you stray. Look at the cross and believe that he held you close to his heart throughout his passion, death, and resurrection.

May the Lord pour out graces on us all during this most holy week of the year!

“Lord, prepare me to receive you more deeply as I prepare for the feast of your resurrection!”