On Palm Sunday we remember the Lord’s passion, and commemorate his entry into Jerusalem, leading to his special death and resurrection. Jesus went from being praised with chants of “Hosona!” entering the city, to being condemned and put to death. So how did this all happen, and who is responsible for the torments and the death of Jesus upon the cross,? We cannot say that it was anyone person acting alone, as there was a confluence of forces such as envy, the actions of the pharisees, the forcefulness of the Sanhedrin, the weakness of the disciples who had been chosen, the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Simon peter. Thus, the drama of the passion indicates that it was not one scene, or one persons that contributed to his passion, death and resurrection and we are tempted to think that it was just a few scenes at the time, therefore excusing ourselves from any responsibilities. Yet Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for us. It is the mystery of what happens to his body. He took sin from the whole world, so what is our responsibility, if we are not to blame for his passion and will we really share in the benefits in his offering to the father? Through the mercy of God, we find ourselves among the redeemed. This holy week, we begin to take seriously the life of Jesus knowing it's not just something that will happen and be forgotten.
The Israelites complained against God and Moses in the desert and were subsequently bitten by serpents and many died until Moses struck his rod in the earth and they were miraculously healed. The image of the serpent on the rod is a measure of, and symbolic of our sins and infidelities. It shows us the reality of people who were wounded but redeemed/healed by God. If we become sick persons it leads to death, even eternal death (Hell), if we do not repent and ask for healing from God. Pope Francis in 2020 said that if we are honest with ourselves, we will see our infidelities and our falsehoods, how many good intentions betrayed, how many broken promises, for the Lord knows our hearts better than we do, he knows how weak we are and hard it is to get up and to heal certain wounds. In order to come to our aid and service, he told us through the prophets, that God will heal our faithlessness and love us deeply. Instead of being discouraged by fear and failings behold, Jesus takes away our betrayals and ailments as long as you serve him with your love, and continue to support him.
The serpent pole from then on, meant a remedy for infidelity, now looking at the son of man carrying the cross, this is our new remedy for all our sins, infidelities and transgressions against our fellow humans and against God. The love of God is there because nothing else can heal us but the crucified love of Jesus, that which was the total gift of self by God the father of the universe, his only son he gave but his healing power is only there for those who have the courage to lift up their eyes to God, seeing Jesus. This week before Easter Sunday, we begin to understand the spotless, sinless and innocent lamb whom took our place in death. He entered Jerusalem fully aware he would have to suffer yet still he went because his love for each of us was so great. He allowed himself to be scourged, beaten and ridiculed without shame, to satisfy the divine justice and reconcile the folly of mankind; this was part of the fathers plan, this is was what we discover today. Christianity is referred to as the "Religion of the Divine Mercy" and this week we record the saviors passion and allow the risen Lord to remind us that if we repent and humble ourselves, he will forgive us all our sins.