Remember Me In Paradise

Passion Sunday | C
 
Vancouver, April 14, 2019
 
I will just give a brief homily since the readings from Saint Luke’s Gospel give us so much to reflect on, to meditate on – to lead us into prayer and to contemplate the Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God – His Sacrifice for us. What is most outstanding is the contrasts between Jesus entry into Jerusalem as King. The people Hail him as King – Hail King of the Jews.
 
This is the Palm Sunday message at the procession – Jesus being welcomed as King into Jerusalem, and waving palms acknowledging his Kingship. Because of the powerful deeds they had seen, they joyfully cry out, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Then, we hear the drama of the last days of Jesus leading up to His Crucifixion? What happened.

​What happened to the joyous reception of the King into Jerusalem? Did the people change their minds? Those who first acclaimed Him as King, did they have second thoughts?

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The people now cried out they wanted Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be crucified. And Pilate, the Roman governor, insisted, he found no wrong in him, and in Roman law, you do not crucify an innocent man.

​But the people insisted, “crucify him”?

Whom do YOU think you would be in this story?

Peter, who loves Jesus and would follow Jesus to prison and to death – but then, denies knowing Jesus out of fear?
 
Would you be among those women of Jerusalem weeping for Jesus?

Perhaps, Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry His Cross?
 
Or would you be the criminal on the Cross beside Jesus who said, Lord, remember me this Day in Paradise?