Passion Sunday word, 28 Mar 2010

Passion Sunday C (28 Mar 2010)

Lk 19. 28-40; Mass: Is 50. 4-7; Ps 22; Phil 2. 6-11; Lk 22. 14-23. 56

Homily of Fr. Paul Panaretos, S.J.

Entering the Mysteries

[After gospel of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem]

We are standing in Jerusalem as we do each year. We are entering into the mysteries of Jesus suffering, dying and rising, his messianic work as the introduction before the blessing of our palm branches reminded us.

We do not remember Jesus as a mere fact. Because it is sacramental remembering you and I again participate in his messianic work, his suffering, dying and rising. Inscribed on the lintel of that north-facing door are these words about this building:

Raised to glorify the name of Jesus Christ

Son of God made man

That his cross may ever be held high

To inspire ˝ To strengthen ˝ and To Save

The souls of men for whom he died

That his sacrifice may be perpetuated

Through the ages

’Till the end of time.¹

Jesus' sacrifice is not limited to what we do around his altar. We are the church, his body in the world. The way we live is how we choose to follow him. The way we follow Jesus is how we participate in his inspiring, strengthening and saving work. Our participation in his messianic work makes our lives more eloquent witnesses to inspire, to strengthen and to save not people only but the world.

Again we raise his cross high; we raise high our palm branches and follow him singing hosanna!

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1. On the lintel over the north-facing, side-entrance at the Miramar end of Gesu Catholic Church, University Heights, Ohio.