Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (Homily)

March 20, 2016 9:00 am  · Father David Mbimadong

Homilies, Lent

He humbled Himself becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the Cross. Dear friends in Christ, at the beginning of our worship today we marked Jesus’ triumphal/heroic entry into Jerusalem to accomplish and to bring to fulfillment the Father’s will – to be handed over to sinful men; to be crucified and nailed to the Cross in atonement for our sins so that salvation for all creation would be made possible.

It is really a very curious aspect of our faith as Christians: that though Jesus knew He was going to be handed over as a lamb of sacrifice, He was not distressed. Instead of being apprehensive, He marked it with joy and great kindness – there is a great lesson to learn from this aspect of Jesus’ life.   

From the gospel we read how Jesus prepared the minds of His apostles for His impending arrest and; hoe He was arrested and put to death. All this serve to lead us to a firm trust in the mercy of God who in His Humility saves without counting the cost.   

The second reading said Jesus was able to accept suffering on the Cross because He was humble of heart. This is how St. Paul put it, “… He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a Cross.” (Phil. 2:7-8).   

This is the point we celebrate and the good life we are all looking for is found here; humility.   In humility, we put the needs of others over and above our self-interest. 

In humility we accept to do things that we would ordinarily consider to be debasing, knowing that our action at that point will lead to greater joy for other people.   

From today till the Easter vigil, this is what our Church wants us to reflect on – how to be humble so that God’s will for our world will be done for the peace and salvation of the world.