Homily Palm Sunday
“I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard, my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.” The second reading today is from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. In this book of the Bible we have what are called the “Songs of the Suffering Servant.” All together there are four of these passages. Isaiah writes about the experience of all “true prophets.” A prophet suffers in service of the truth. Suffering, according to the world, is to be avoided at all costs. Because of that belief, there are few people want to be prophets.
Jesus was a prophet. He suffered. We reflect on his experience of suffering on Passion Sunday. As we hear the story of Jesus’ final hours, the character of the people involved in Jesus life becomes evident. Peter, Thomas, Pilate, James, John, Mary Magdalene and all the rest of the people Jesus interacts with are mirror images of people we have probably known in our life. The choices the Biblical characters make, help us to know them better.
Perhaps the most controversial of all the people we meet in the Passion Narrative was Judas Iscariot. We hear a lot about him. But he is still a figure shrouded in mystery. How could one so close to the Lord turn on Jesus?
Scripture scholars offer several possible explanations. One reason they give for the treachery of Judas was greed. He is described in Gospel narratives as keeping the common purse. He criticizes Mary in chapter 12 of the Gospel of John when she anoints the feet of Jesus with costly perfume observing that the expensive perfume should have been sold. The motivation seems to be that he would have liked to have had some of the money. But if he betrayed Jesus for money it was a cheap price. The pieces of silver he received amounted to six months wages for a day laborer.
Another motivation for the betrayal of Jesus by Judas that is put forth by spiritual writers is that Judas was a loyal follower of Jesus, but an impatient one. He betrayed Jesus because he was trying to force Jesus’ hand. He believed that Jesus would use his other worldly power to destroy his enemies rather than to die himself. Judas kisses Jesus when he betrays him. The implication is that he really did love him. The kiss, as described in the original Greek, was an affectionate one, not, an unfeeling one. Judas only committed suicide when he realized his plan didn’t work. He was so overwhelmed with shame he could not stand it.
Another theory about the betrayal is that Judas had grown to hate Jesus. Judas, it is thought, was a revolutionary. He was a nationalist. He was a zealot. Zealots are people who will destroy anything that gets in the way of achieving their goals. Judas wanted armed conflict. If the nation of Israel had to be destroyed, if innocent people had to suffer, that was all right, independence from Rome was that important. Better to destroy everything than to give in. Judas had hoped Jesus would feel the same way. Jesus did not. Because Jesus disagreed, Judas wanted Jesus assassinated.
If we look at the course of history the theme of that last theory of Judas’ betrayal is played out over an over. We see such blind zealousness in our present situation. A prophet of our time is being hurt by it. Doctor Anthony Fauci would seem to be a kindly figure. He is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. He has advised presidents from the time of Ronald Regan. He is credited with helping resolve several health crises including the AIDS epidemic. Dr. Fauci tries to tell the truth as he sees it. In all the briefings that I have seen on television he never loses his temper with any questioner. He is a model of patience. He is an archetype of a suffering servant. His concern is for the good of the nation.
But in the last week he has had to have a security detail. Multiple threats have been made on his life. Interviewers have said to Dr. Fauci, “Don’t you think it would be wise to step down? Is this worth your life?” This principled man has responded with words like these, “I have given my life to my work. If this is part of my vocation it comes with the territory, I guess. I only worry about my family.” When we hunger for integrity, Dr. Fauci is giving us an example of what courage is all about. He is facing the Judases in our society. He is steadfast.
In the days ahead, there will be much fear that could lead us to terrible places. We face a scary truth. Serious illness is lurking around each corner. We pray that we can be preserved from selfishness and despair. The most important thing about prophets is that they always end their messages with hope. Jesus’ hope was in the Resurrection. As disciples of, Jesus we recall that hope every Sunday. Out of this crisis will come new life. Living with that hope can be the thing that sets us free.
Dear Parishioners,
A blessed Holy Week to you! We have a challenge this week as to how we will keep this week the reverent week it should be. As Pope Francis has said on more than one occasion. The times in which we will provide difficulties, but our struggles are not more burdensome then what people experienced, but they are simply different. Our ancestors had many a hard day. I think of my grandparents who lived through the experience of immigrating to this country, two world wars and the great depression among other things. Perhaps because of these experiences they were the holy people they were. Suffering can be crucible where we find out how deep our faith is. Let’s ask the Lord to strengthen us during this week as we spend more time in solitude.
As we live this week, I would like to announce that we have added more live streaming to our schedule. Fr. Matthew has been tutored as to how to use our streaming equipment so we can now stream daily Mass. The schedule for Holy Week will be as follows:
Monday of Holy Week------------------Mass at 8 a.m.
Tuesday of Holy Week------------------Mass at 8 a.m.
Wednesday of Holy Week-------------Mass at 8 a.m.
Adoration 8:30 – 9 a.m.
Benediction at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday-----------------------Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m.
Friday---------------------------Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3 p.m.
Saturday -----------------------No services
Easter Morning --------------Mass at 8 a.m.
After all of these services are livestreamed, they will be posted on our WEB page. You can replay them even if you do not have Facebook. Just go to the Red bar at the top of the home page and click on Mass and the services will be listed that you can play.
Let’s pray that Holy Mary and all the angels and saints may protect everyone today.
Fr. Mark