Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (B)
2nd week, alternate cycle
Texts taken from the “Sulla Tua Parola” missal for March-April 2021.
Palm Sunday, or Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, solemnly marks the beginning of Holy Week, during which we will celebrate the final days of Jesus’ earthly life up to his resurrection. There are two symbols of this Sunday: palms and the cross. They are closely linked, since they indicate the same thing: life given, salvation, and resurrection. The Gospel for Palm Sunday presents us with the dialogued reading of the account of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark; remembering this central event of our faith deserves all our attention and provides a fitting opportunity to renew our resolve and commitment to have the same mind as Christ Jesus.
FIRST READING
From the book of the prophet Isaiah (Is 50:4-7)
The Lord God has given me a disciple’s tongue, so that I may know how to speak a word to the weary. Morning by morning he makes my ear attentive so that I may listen like a disciple. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I have not resisted; I have not turned back. I gave my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore out my beard; I did not hide my face from insults and spitting. The Lord God is my help; therefore I am not disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. – The word of the Lord.
Commentary on the first reading
Today’s word of God, on Palm Sunday, places us in an apparent contradiction: how is it possible to speak a word to the discouraged if we ourselves are the ones being scourged? The key lies in the beautiful expression: «The Lord God is my help». Saint Paul will say: «If God is for us, who can be against us?». If we are truly certain that God is at our side, if we allow him to remain there, our existence is completely transformed. Useless fears disappear, and our only concern is to be faithful to God’s will, even to the cross… and the resurrection. It is also interesting to emphasize that the true tongue that converts, which God can make “his own”, is not that of the teacher or the wise person, but that of the disciple, the one who adopts a deeply receptive and listening attitude. Taking this reflection a step further, Saint Francis de Sales said that «the mouth speaks only to the ears, but the heart speaks to the heart».
SECOND READING
From the Letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Philippians (Phil 2:6-11)
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming like human beings. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess: «Jesus Christ is Lord!», to the glory of God the Father. – The word of the Lord.
Commentary on the second reading
We all deeply feel the need for recognition; but do we base our choices on fleeting, ephemeral forms of recognition (they last only one day, then disappear), or do we try to ask ourselves, both at the decisive moments of our lives and in the small choices we make every day: «Jesus, what does he think of this choice of mine? What would Jesus do if he were in my place?». Palm Sunday reminds us that the kenosis (self-emptying) of God is not a defeat, but his way of loving and placing himself at the service of others. First of all within the Trinity itself, and then toward us human beings. What enables us to enter into the same wavelength as Jesus, in resonance with God, is obedience: it is not a prerogative of consecrated people, but belongs to every disciple of Christ. What does it mean for a husband to obey his wife? And for a wife, what does openness to God through listening to her husband represent? Can parents be obedient? And can children be docile and willing (beyond banalities and clichés)? Moreover, the gifts we have, precisely because they are freely given gifts to which we have only contributed, imply a dimension of service.
GOSPEL OF THE DAY
(Instructions for the dialogued reading: ✠ = Jesus; C = Narrator; D = Disciples and friends; F = Crowd; A = Other characters).
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark (Mk 14:1 – 15:47)
They were looking for a way to seize him and kill him
C It was two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by deceit and put him to death. For they said: A «Not during the festival, so that there may not be a riot among the people».
She has anointed my body beforehand for burial
C Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper. While he was at table, a woman came with an alabaster jar full of very costly pure nard ointment. She broke open the alabaster jar and poured the ointment on his head. Some there became indignant and said: A «Why this waste of ointment? It could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor!». C And they were angry with her. But Jesus said: ✠ «Leave her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a good thing for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can do good to them whenever you wish, but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the Gospel is proclaimed throughout the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her as well».
They promised Judas Iscariot money
C Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to hand Jesus over to them. When they heard him, they were pleased and promised to give him money. And he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
Where is my room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?
C On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was sacrificed, his disciples said to him: D «Where do you want us to go and prepare, so that you may eat the Passover?». C So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them: ✠ «Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house: “The Teacher says: Where is my room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”. He will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there». C The disciples set out and went into the city, found everything as he had told them, and prepared the Passover.
One of you, the one who is eating with me, will betray me
C When it was evening, he came with the Twelve. And while they were at table and eating, Jesus said: ✠ «Truly I tell you, one of you, the one who is eating with me, will betray me». C They began to be distressed and to say to him, one after another: D «Surely, it is not I?». C He said to them: ✠ «It is one of the Twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man is going as it is written of him; but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born!».
This is my body. This is my blood of the covenant
C And while they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: ✠ «Take it; this is my body». C Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them: ✠ «This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God».
Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times
C After singing the hymn, they went out toward the Mount of Olives. Jesus said to them: ✠ «You will all become deserters, for it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered”. But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee». C Peter said to him: D «Even though all become deserters, I will not!». C Jesus said to him: ✠ «Truly I tell you, you yourself, today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times». C But he said vehemently: D «Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you». C And all of them said the same.
He began to be distressed and agitated
C They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples: ✠ «Sit here while I pray». C He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. He said to them: ✠ «My soul is deeply grieved, even to death. Remain here, and keep awake». C And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said: ✠ «Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want». C He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter: ✠ «Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak». C And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them: ✠ «Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand».
Arrest him and lead him away under guard
C And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying: D «The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard». C So when he came, he went up to him at once and said: D «Rabbi» C and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them: ✠ «Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was among you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled». C All of them deserted him and fled. A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.
Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?
C They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him from a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. Many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying: A «We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands”». C But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before the assembly and questioned Jesus: A «Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?». C But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him: A «Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?». C Jesus said: ✠ «I am! And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven». C Then the high priest tore his clothes and said: A «Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?». C All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying: F «Prophesy!». C The guards also struck him.
I do not know this man you are talking about
C While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said: A «You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth». C But he denied it, saying: D «I do not know or understand what you are talking about». C And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders: A «This man is one of them». C But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter: A «Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean». C But he began to curse, and he swore an oath: D «I do not know this man you are talking about». C At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him: «Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times». And he broke down and wept.
Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?
C And immediately, [in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; they bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him: A «Are you the king of the Jews?». C He answered him: ✠ «You say so». C Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again: A «Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you». C But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them: A «Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?». C He realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again: A «Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the king of the Jews?». C They shouted back: F «Crucify him!». C Pilate asked them: A «Why, what evil has he done?». C But they shouted even louder: F «Crucify him!». C So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
They wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head
C Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in purple, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him: F «Hail, King of the Jews!». C They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha
C They compelled a passer-by, who was coming from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it.
And with him they crucified two bandits
C And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read: «The King of the Jews». And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left.
He saved others; he cannot save himself!
C Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying: F «Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!». C In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying: A «He saved others; he cannot save himself! Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe». C Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.
Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last
C When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice: ✠ «Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?», C which means: ✠ «My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?». C When some of the bystanders heard it, they said: A «Listen, he is calling for Elijah!». C And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying: A «Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down». C Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
(Here all kneel and pause briefly)
C And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion who stood facing him saw that he thus breathed his last, he said: A «Truly this man was God’s Son!».] C There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
Joseph rolled a stone against the door of the tomb
C When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid. – The Gospel of the Lord.
Commentary on the Gospel of the day
«They were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by deceit and put him to death». The scribes and Pharisees seek Jesus’ death. What, truly, deeply, consciously… am I seeking? Whom am I seeking? «Your face, Lord, I seek»: who knows how many times those people had prayed to God with these words; yet when they find themselves before the true man and true God, they seek his tragic end because he does not fit their schemes. Let us hope for a Holy Week of authentic seeking for God. Better still: let us allow God to seek us and find us, for he never tires of setting out, of truly going out… for our sake. His seeking is the opposite of that of his persecutors; God seeks to be loved freely, not by coercion, and for this reason he also accepts the drama, the risk of the cross. We know that the cross will not have the final word, but will be a terrible and painful instrument for our salvation. On Holy Saturday, as in the ancient Byzantine icons, the instruments of the Passion will become keys to open the gates of hell: the salvation of every person who opens themselves to salvation. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday: from an exaltation to Jesus’ true victory over evil and death.
