Who am I Before My Lord?

Father Pothin’s Reflection for Palm Sunday

The Gospel. St. Matthew xxvii. 1.

This week begins with the festive procession with olive branches. The entire populace welcomes Jesus. The children and young people sing, praising Jesus. But this week continues in the mystery of Jesus’s death and his resurrection. We have just listened to the Passion of our Lord. We might well ask ourselves just one question: Who am I? Who am I, before my Lord? Am I ready to express my joy, to praise him? Or do I stand back? Who am I, before the suffering Jesus?

We have just heard many names. Leaders, some priests, the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, those who had decided to kill Jesus. They were waiting for the chance to arrest him. Am I like one of them? We have also heard another name – Judas. Thirty pieces of silver. Am I like Judas? We have heard other names too like the disciples who understood nothing, who fell asleep while the Lord was suffering. Has my life fallen asleep? Or am I like the disciples who did not realize what it was to betray Jesus? Or like the disciple who wanted to settle everything with a sword? Am I like them? Where is my heart? Which of these persons am I like? May this question remain with us throughout the entire week.

–Fr Pothin