Homily: Palm Sunday

“We All Play a Role in the Passion”

by Fr. William Holtzinger

April 9, 2006

 

So, in today’s Gospel narrative of the Passion of Jesus, there were many people who played a role.  Who did you relate closest to?  Why did you relate to them?  Was it Peter who denied Jesus?  Was it the woman with the alabaster jar of perfumed oil?  Was it Judas Iscariot?  How about James and John who fell asleep while waiting for Jesus as he prayed?  How about the people who shouted out, “Crucify him!”  How about getting acquitted like Barabbas?    
  

The story of the Passion is full of characters who are much like ourselves.  Many of us have denied Jesus in one way or another.  Many of us have served others like the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet.  Many of us have betrayed a friend like Judas.  All of us can have the consequences of our sins exchanged for Jesus’ cross as did Barabbas.  In some way all of us have helped crucify Jesus by our sins.  
 

Who did you relate to?  Throughout it all, Jesus gives us one message:  Our sins and suffering can be healed and have meaning if we simply give them to our Lord.  And so, I now invite you for a moment of silence to give over yourself to Jesus.