Ken Overberg, S.J.

Palm Sunday, 2008

Our first reading, from the prophet Zechariah, helps us to reflect back on (and perhaps offers the basis for) the triumphant entry into Jerusalem before we plunge into the somber story of passion and death.

Paul’s words to the Philippians offer an early interpretation of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.  Then we turn to Matthew.

Each year we proclaim two different passion stories: on Palm Sunday one of the synoptics, and on Good Friday John’s Gospel.  Most of us have probably merged the four passion narratives into one.  Yet, each is different; each presents a distinct portrait of Jesus, along with different theologies.  Indeed, the passion stories are first of all faith proclamations, not exact history.

For example, John presents a sovereign Jesus.  Even in his passion, Jesus is in control of his destiny; he deliberately hands over his spirit.  There is no sense of sacrifice or ransom in John’s gospel.

Suffering and death are part of Jesus’ hour of glorification.

In today’s gospel, Matthew develops the Jewish tradition concerning the trial and eventual vindication of the innocent sufferer.  Matthew, following Mark, also has Jesus speak only one saying from the cross, a cry of agony and abandonment (taken from one of the Psalms).

Enter into this story -- listening, observing, feeling, responding.

Where is the suffering and darkness in your life, in our church and world?   Where the hope?  Keep in mind that we will proclaim the rest of the story at our Easter vigil.

Two final notes: first, remember that we don’t have to believe in a vengeful God who demands atonement.  Jesus died by human decree not divine decree.  Second, as we hear the passion stories, it is good to be cautioned again about anti-Jewish sections.  Given the polemics between church and synagogue when the gospels were written (they are especially strong in Matthew’s gospel), such feelings are understandable -- but certainly cannot be justified in our lives today.  All forms of racism and prejudice contradict the very meaning of the gospel.

Let’s listen to God’s word.

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God did not want Jesus’ suffering and does not want ours.  God does not want the suffering of our sisters and brothers.

So how, then, do we understand the cross?  Perhaps see it as a reminder of Jesus’ profound trust in a loving and faithful God he called Abba, even in the midst of terrible suffering.