The Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ – Palm Sunday

I have all kinds of fuzzy thoughts in my heart as I write this reflection, the miles may have separated us but very close to my heart are the beautiful memories we created when we lived “visitation.” I am Winnie, and was welcomed into Associate Relationship with the New Victoria Group since May 31, 2000.

Palm Sunday recalls an event in the Christian Scripture (The New Testament) of Jesus entering into Jerusalem and being greeted by the people waving palm branches. For Christians, it is a reminder of the welcoming of Jesus into our hearts and of our willingness to follow him.

When the invitation came around to do reflections for the Sundays of Lent, I was immediately touched by the dates offered. One of the dates, April 10th stood out for me – April 10th, the day my dad and my own Spiritual Director came into the world. As with Jesus, they were little prepared for the journey they would embark on; after all, they had been quite comfortable for the past nine months in the security of their mother’s womb where all their needs were being met. Dad was my go-to-person, he could see my insides from the outside. Lexie is the one who has helped me over the past 15 years, to come and enjoy the depth of the personage of our dearest Jesus, the central figure in all the readings of today’s liturgy.

It has been said that when the pupil is ready, the teacher will come so be prepared; today is that day. Most would agree that we all have our crosses to bear, some heavier than others, but all of them have something to offer. Today on the walk to Calvary, Jesus teaches us to be courageous, humble, compassionate and committed. He was no stranger to rejection and abuse, for the past few years He witnessed much of what this day was born for. Throughout my days of Lent, I prayed Mary’s Way of the Cross and heard over and over again, “it had to be.” As each of us journeyed we heard the words “renew, repent, rebirth, recall, redeem and the best of all rejoice” – read them again, does anyone speak to you at this time in your own journey to Calvary?

For the past 33 years of Jesus’ life among us, He used these same words to strengthen his shoulders to bear the weight until the bitter end. Let us be courageous, humble, compassionate and committed as we face the challenges of the day knowing that Jesus outstretched His arms on the cross for each of us because He loves us and because we are worthy!

Remember – there is nothing you can do to make Jesus love you more…

there is nothing you can do to make Jesus love you less.