Reflection for Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday: Reading I, Year C
Isaiah 50:4-7
The Lord GOD has given me
a well-trained tongue,
that I might know how to speak to the weary
a word that will rouse them.
Morning after morning
he opens my ear that I may hear;
and I have not rebelled,
have not turned back.
I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
my face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.
The Lord GOD is my help,
therefore I am not disgraced;
I have set my face like flint,
knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
A sister likes to comment, “When I like something, I could sell it!” She means that if she enjoys something or finds it useful, it is easy for her to talk others into trying it too. I am sure we have all had similar experiences. Imagine you get a new pair of shoes and, seemingly miraculously, the discomfort of a long-standing foot condition is eliminated. You are so excited about this experience that you want others to experience the same relief and happiness. You tell the story over and over, describing who recommended the shoes to you, your encounter with the shoe salesman, the way your plantar fasciitis and even your posture are better! You simply cannot stop telling others about the wonders of this new pair of shoes.
If we can be this enthusiastic about a pair of shoes, how much more enthusiastic should we be about sharing the Good News of salvation?
Of course, salvation is not a product like a new pair of shoes. Saint Paul tells the Corinthians, “I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3). Freely, Paul handed on what he himself first received. In the same way, the Good News of the Gospel is something so important that we freely share with others what we have received: that same joy, freedom from sin, friendship with God, and hope for eternal life. What could be better? What is more important than eternity?
The Church is the sacrament of salvation; by her very nature, she is missionary.
In the First Reading at Mass for Palm Sunday, the prophet Isaiah speaks about his missionary mandate: “The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them” (50:4). Isaiah wants to use God’s word to help the people of Israel, who, like you and me, are weary and in need of hope.
This passage in Isaiah about the well-trained tongue is fulfilled in Christ. Christ perfects Isaiah’s prophecy through His life of preaching and ultimately, through His passion. We, too, in imitation of Christ, are called to speak a word to the weary. We are asked to hear and not turn back.
Saint Paul tells us faith comes from hearing (cf. Rom. 10:17). Just as “the love of Christ urges us on” (2 Cor. 5:14), so “God wills the salvation of everyone through the knowledge of the truth. Salvation is found in the truth” (CCC 851). How important it is that we share the truth, the Good News of salvation with others!
Now you might be tempted to say, “Well, God gave Isaiah a ‘well-trained tongue’ and I don’t have that.” Take comfort in the words God gives to Jeremiah, who voiced the same complaint, “You shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord” (Jer. 1:7-8). We have similar encouragement in our reading, “The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame” (Is. 50:7).
As we enter Holy Week, let us be comforted by the fact that Christ did not turn back. Neither should we. To conclude, here are three practical applications:
1. Let this reflection be a reminder to us to speak the truth in love.
How often do we lie in a single day? We may consider it harmless or a white lie, but Christ has revealed that He is the Truth and Satan is the “Father of Lies” (Jn. 8:44). Many times in a single day, we are called to speak the truth in love. Always in love. This may mean sharing our struggles honestly, delivering hard information, or simply just giving an honest opinion or answer. Studies show that people are endeared to those to speak to them truthfully more than those who “tell them what they think they want to hear.” How much more do we have an obligation to share the Good News with our neighbors? It begins with honesty.
2. Let us spread the Gospel at every opportunity.
As Saint Peter urges, “Always be prepared to give an explanation to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet. 3:15). Love is presupposed by knowledge. You cannot love what you do not know. The Gospel is so important that we want to freely share with others what we know. Often, you will be called upon to give an explanation, so with gentleness and reverence, spread the Good News.
3. Let us live the Good News!
Can others see the impact of your faith in your life? Simply by living your vocation joyfully, a truth is spoken about the importance of God and His role in your life. As we begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday, we cannot forget about the Triumph of the Cross. Even in the midst of this suffering, we know Christ rises from the dead. Thus, we are a Resurrection People. The joy of the conquest of Christ over Satan and death should be reflected in our lives. This week begins the last stretch before the most glorious day of the year, Easter.