Let us Give Thanks

This Sunday is Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of Holy Week. Holy means "set apart." Christians set apart an entire week (Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday) to recall the greatest tragedy and sorrow and the most important time in our history – the suffering and death of Jesus for our sake. It will be very strange for me and for many Catholics worldwide not being able to commemorate these important events with others. But perhaps it can be a time of quiet contemplation, prayer and worship.

Palm Sunday

On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the first joy of the season, as we celebrate Our Lord's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where he was welcomed by crowds worshiping him and laying down palm leaves before him. But this joyous return to Jerusalem is only one side of the story.

By now many were filled with hate for Jesus, especially after he offered proof of His Divinity during a previous visit to Jerusalem where he announced…

“I told you, and ye believe not: the works that I do in my Father's name, these bear witness of me” (Jn 25) “I and the Father are one” (Jn 30).

Many people did not believe Jesus. They called Him a blasphemer and wanted to see him dead. After His triumphant entry into Jerusalem Jesus retreated to the Mount of Olives nearby and foretold the apostles the events of the next several days, including His impending death.

Holy Thursday

Jesus returned to Jerusalem on Thursday, to share the Last Supper with His apostles…

‘Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you” (on the cross) “Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”’ (His blood poured out in death) (Luke 22:19,20).

We go to mass to remember Jesus’ last supper and his sacrifice.

After supper, whilst praying in the garden, Jesus was arrested and subsequently tried.

GOOD FRIDAY

Jesus was crucified at Calvary outside the gates of Jerusalem on Friday…

‘Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.”’ (Luke: 23:46,47)

Jesus was buried the same day, and arose three days later, on Easter Sunday…'So it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead' (Luke 24:46)

All of this was done by our Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and for life everlasting with Him. God so loved us, that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us and bring us closer to him. Let us reflect next week on the significance of Jesus’ last days on earth.