Sic Transit Gloria Mundi -A Palm Sunday Reflection

Normally, Palm Sunday Mass begins with the Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem. Palm branches are blessed, and then we join in a joyful procession around the church singing ... Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. With the people of Jerusalem we acclaim Jesus as Messiah and Lord. Sadly, because of health and safety concerns, our joyful procession has been cancelled this year.

After the Palm Sunday procession comes the solemn reading of the Passion. We watch with sorrow and dismay, as the very people who sang and danced before the Lord, now curse him and call for his death. We ask ourselves .... What happened? How did such a joyful, welcoming  crowd turn into a hate-filled lynch mob?

Basically, Jesus, didn’t live up to the crowd’s expectations. They were looking for a political Messiah, a king who would free them from the Roman yoke. They wanted a Messiah who would restore Israel’s political prestige. They expected the long-awaited Messiah to bring them the good life. And when Jesus didn’t produce, when he refused to dance to their tune, they dropped their loud Hosanna’s and shouted Crucify him.

You and I have a lot in common with the crowds in Jerusalem.  When things are going our way, we are Jesus’ biggest fans. We acclaim him in prayer and song and happily identify ourselves as Catholic Christians. But when the going gets tough, when living the Gospel involves sacrifice and suffering, we distance ourselves from Jesus. And downplay our membership in the Church.

Palm Sunday is a wonderful opportunity for a reality check. It reminds us that discipleship isn’t all flag waving fun. It demands a high level of commitment. To use the words of the marriage vows, we are called to follow Jesus .... In good times and in bad. In sickness and in health. All the days of our lives. Or, as Jesus bluntly told his apostles ... Whoever serves me must follow me. And where I am, there will my servant be also. No cross. No crown!

So, what kind of disciple am I? A good time friend? The kind that’s happy to stick around when things are going well? But makes himself/herself scarce when hard work or suffering is involved? Or am I a faithful disciple? Willing to carry my cross in communion with Jesus? Willing to stand with Mary at the foot of the cross, faithful to the end? It’s time to decide.

Msgr. Paul Zimmer
Pastor, St Clement Catholic Church, Etobicoke