Sunday, March 16, 2008

His Passion: Then and Now

Today is Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, which marks the beginning of the most powerful week in all of salvation history.

Mass began with the blessing of the palms. Later we heard the account of Christ's passion according to St. Matthew, meaning our parish community went from joy to sobriety in under ten minutes.

Listening to the reading in and of itself was deeply touching, but I was moved even more when we in the pews recited the part of the crowd: "Let Him be crucified!" What tragic, difficult words to say (I could barely get them out), but how true they are. My sins nailed Him to the cross; mine and all the rest of humanity's. I am no less guilty for His death than anyone else in all of history.

Today of all days, I was one of three Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. Even as my head was reeling from the beauty and reality of our Lord's Passion (and my part in it all), I ascended the steps to the sanctuary to receive His Body and Blood... and then to distribute Him to others.

This is the personification of God's mercy and grace: we who crucified Him witness the recreation of His sacrifice at each and every Mass; we receive Him bodily into ourselves (what a miracle!); and beyond this, sometimes we are allowed the privilege of giving His Body and Blood to others.

Oh, what a God we serve!

4 comments:

Christine said...

I like you, can barely say the words...but how true they are. Our sins nailed him to the cross indeed. And His love forgives and draws us to Him with love and Mercy.

Macile Hooper LeJeune said...

I sat through it all ... but thanks to Sissy ... (and all the saints in Heaven and our Sweet Jesus and HIS Blessed Mother) I went to Mass and received HIM for the first time ... in 4 weeks.
Ohe, so awesome; how HE gives and gives ... and we take and take.
DIEU TE BENISSE!!! Cajun Sissy

Adam the Catholic said...

"but how true they are. My sins nailed Him to the cross; mine and all the rest of humanity's. I am no less guilty for His death than anyone else in all of history."
You did what Pilot did not. Pilot (tryed) to wash his hands of Christs death. You admit to it, and beg for forgivness.

chimakuni said...

I HATE Palm Sunday and the readings...I HATE that my sins nailed Our Precious Lord to the cross. I HATE to admit my sinfulness...and to put aside my pride. I HATE IT!!!

But, how I love that God humbled Himself, became Man and was crucified for me. I love that I am forgiven, when I do admit my sinfulness, when I put aside my pride. . .

Thank you Esther, dear, for such a beautiful post.