Procession with Palms: Matthew 2:1-11
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24.
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11.
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66
Reflection Questions
1. As you read this passage, list any elements from the story that appear ‘new’ to you.
2. List the emotional and physical hardships that Jesus endured.
3. Of all the people involved in this passage, which one stands out the most for you? Why? How do you relate to that person?
The intense drama of the Passion of our Lord is a story that speaks for itself: Because of its power, there is little that can be added to explain the story. Our focus this week is simply to allow you to meditate on it for yourself. As you do that, please keep in mind the following two key characters:
1. Judas: St. Matthew makes it a point to show us the role of Judas as Jesus’ betrayer, beginning with his association with the chief priests. As far as Scripture is concerned, Judas was only interested in the money: There was no mention of Judas either being deceived or having another motive. Judas even denies to Jesus in front of all the Apostles at the Last Supper that he will betray Him, yet all along Judas was searching for the right time to hand Jesus over to the authorities. Jesus makes it clear as to the future of Judas: “Better for that man if he had never been born.” Yet Judas, upon seeing that Jesus had been condemned, “deeply regretted what he had done”. Was this a true conversion of heart for Judas? Does this show us that Judas repented? Of course, only God knows, but the words of Jesus would lead us to believe otherwise.
2. St. Peter: While the other Gospels add specific details about St. Peter’s role during Our Lord’s Passion, St. Matthew highlights a couple of details about St. Peter. First, St. Peter, like Judas, turns his back on Jesus. The Lord tells St. Peter to his face that he will deny Him, yet St. Peter tries to stand up for his loyalty to Jesus. St. Peter is pulled aside (along with St. James and St. John) to be with Jesus during His Agony in the Garden. Instead of supporting Jesus, St. Peter falls asleep. Finally, Jesus prediction comes true and St. Peter denies Jesus three times.
What are the similarities and differences between Judas and St. Peter? We see that Judas actively sought to ‘sell out’ Jesus, yet St. Peter was not looking to deny Jesus. Both St. Peter and Judas denounced that they would ever do anything against Jesus, and both of them ‘ate’ their words. Both Judas and St. Peter ‘caved’ to the pressure put on them by others. In the end, Judas deals with his betrayal by committing suicide, while St. Peter deals with his denials by repenting, and going back to lead the Apostles. All of us struggle with turning our back on Jesus when the going gets tough: Our call this Palm Sunday is to ask the Lord for the grace to follow Him ‘24:7’, no matter the struggle, no matter the cost. May we also, like St. Peter, turn to Jesus for forgiveness if we have failed Him, and receive the grace to be strong and follow Jesus once again.
These reflections come from YM Central
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