My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Palm Sunday Readings:
Procession with Palms: Mk 11:1-10 or Jn 12:12-16
Mass: Is 50:4-7/Phil 2:6-11/Mk 14:1-15:47

The Palm Sunday liturgy is a study in fallen humanity and our great need for a Savior. I am always amazed at how the crowds could go at once from singing the praises of Jesus, throwing palms onto the streets as if greeting a king to yelling out the words of condemnation, “Crucify him, crucify him,” all within the course of a few days. Problem is, as advanced as we are technically, we are not one bit more advanced sociologically than those gathered in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago.

We are still the fickle people whose pride stands in stark contrast to the humility of Jesus, as St. Paul writes to the Philippians. It is because of Christ’s humility before God—His Divine Obedience, that the gift of Eternal Life is open to us. Such a great gift at such a dear price—yet what is our response? It is no different than the crowds’.

Look at society. Mass attendance (or attendance at any form of organized worship) is down. Studies show that upwards of 25% of the population have no association with a regularly gathered community of faith. Other polls indicate that anywhere from 25-35% regularly attend worship. A look at the newspapers, TV, and radio paint a dismal picture of a humanity that has lost its moral compass and is searching for ‘love in all the wrong places,’ to quote the song.

That is what makes Jesus’ cry from the cross all the poignant.  “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” His cry is our cry as we struggle in the mire of sin and the culture of death. Our hope, however, is in the Lord, for once that cry is uttered; it is the Father who receives the offering of the Son, lifted up. In this movement of dying and rising, our salvation is won. God is waiting for us. Are we humble enough to let Him enter into our hearts and lives?

This selfless, total, and ultimate gift of agape love—love unto death—is the example of love we are to live in the world. It is this witness of agape love that transforms hearts. It is this virtuous example of ultimate gift that draws people to the Living Christ. It is the love God gives to us if we open ourselves up to receive it.

We, who call ourselves disciples, are then called to be that witness of love to the world. It is a love that is steadfast and true; not fickle and demanding. It is a love that knows no bounds, not one that places conditions. How we live as love is our proclamation of Christ’s working in and through us to the world.

 As we enter into Holy Week, let us reflect on the prayer of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein):

The Savior hangs before you with a pierced heart. He has spilled His heart’s blood to win your heart. If you want to follow Him in holy purity, your heart must be free of every earthly desire. Jesus, the Crucified, is to be the only object of your longings, your wishes, your thoughts... He wants your life in order to give you his.

Hail to the Cross, our only Hope!