April 14, 2019 PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION-C

Isaiah 50:4-7

Psalm 22

Philippians 2:6-11

Luke 19:28-40

Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave… Phil. 2:7

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.  Lk. 19:38

Lord, you were a king then a slave in the same week.  “Hosanna in the highest” would turn into “crucify him” in just a matter of a few days.  You were a king today but would soon be a traitor.  Your Apostles reveled in the attention and had great expectations for their future.  Soon they would run and hide in fear.  Peter would pledge his undying loyalty but would quickly swear he didn’t’ even know you.  The people expected a great victory through your arrival.  Little did they know the ultimate victory you would achieve for them on Calvary. Would I have been any different than the crowd on that Palm Sunday?   Would I have stayed awake and prayed with you to the Father in the garden? Would I have been like the women who bravely followed you to your death and honored you with a burial?  Would I have hidden in confusion and self-preservation while you were scourged and beaten?  Lord, I know you took all this on out of love for me.  You emptied yourself completely so I could be saved.  May I, this week, empty myself so you can fill me with your love and mercy.  Amen.