The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Carlos Macatanga SVD – Canada
Saturday 5th Week of Lent
We are now on the last week of Lent. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday the commemoration of the triumphant entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem where people around him were shouting HOSANNA!
Several days later, as Jesus was standing before Pilate people were also there but this time they were shouting CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM!
Were the same people who were waving their branches in adulation now raising their fists in anger and condemning the same man?
In the Gospel today, John reminds us, once again, how Jesus touched people with his many signs and wonders and how many began to believe in him and how some who saw the same signs and wonders went to the chief priests to make a report.
We also saw in the same gospel how many of the religious leaders were threatened by the actions of Jesus. While some people were grateful for what they received from Jesus (healing, acceptance and comfort) others were afraid and worried of what they were about to lose because of Jesus (land and nation according to the chief priests).
As we continue our preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, let us open our hearts to the one who showed great love; to the one who died for us that we may be saved!
We should never be afraid to lose our sins and receive our eternal recompense. Let our Hosanna today be an eternal Hosanna!
Let us remain faithful in following him as he carries the cross of our sins that we may also share in the joy of his resurrection.
