Sunday, March 24th
Scripture
Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16
Isaiah 50: 4-7
Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Phil 2: 4-11
Mark 14:1 – 15:47
Reflection
“Rather, he emptied himself…” Philippians 2:7
One of the key themes of Palm-Passion Sunday is how different the power of God’s love is from worldly power, which is anxious for its own self-preservation. We see how the cheering crowds turn on Jesus—a reminder of the fleetingness of power based on popularity—as well as how the chief priests, Pilate, and even the disciples anxiously grasp for power and control through falsehood, manipulation, and violence. In contrast, Christ reveals the heart of God by freely laying aside the status that was rightfully his to enter the human condition. The Passion definitively shows how God’s power is not seen in conquest and domination, but rather in the freedom of self-emptying love.
Today (March 24) also invites us to remember the witness of Saint Oscar Romero, who did not regard power and privilege as something to be grasped, but rather chose to stand in solidarity with the poor, even if it cost him his life.
Prayer
God, help me to trust in the power of your love
when I am tempted to grasp for control and privilege.
Personal Challenge
Take a few moments to reflect on how the drama of American electoral politics has been affecting you this month.
In this season when the desire for power over others
is present all around us, how can you be a witness
to the power of self-emptying love?
Jessica Wrobleski, CSJ Associate
Cleveland, OH
