Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to Sunday's Scripture Readings

“Father, Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do”

Palm Sunday begins our Easter Holy Week. We walk with Jesus on His final journey to the cross—His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Passover supper with His friends, His betrayal, passion and death and then, His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.

We begin today’s Mass with the Gospel reading at the Procession of the Palms (Luke 19:28-40), before the procession enters the main part of the Church.

Then, in our first reading (Isaiah 50:4-7), we hear part of Isaiah's lament of the suffering servant, which so fittingly foretells the passion that Jesus will endure. Persecuted for His righteousness, He does not flinch. “My back I gave to those who beat me... my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.”

In our Epistle reading (Philippians 2:6-11), St. Paul reminds us of the humility of Jesus, the meek and humble servant, coming in human likeness. Because of this, “God greatly exalted Him.”

Our Gospel reading (Luke 22:14 - 23:56) is St. Luke's account of the passion and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. He then stressed with His disciples the importance of servant leadership, “Let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.” Jesus forewarned Peter of his coming denial. After the supper was over, Jesus went out to the Mount of Olives to pray, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” Then came His betrayal by Judas, His arrest and trial before Pilate, Peter’s denial, and Jesus’ violent scourging, mockery, and crucifixion. As He hung, dying on the cross, He pleaded with His Father, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” At His death, Jesus cried out, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Lent is a time for reflection and prayer on the mysteries of Christ’s salvific gift. It would be good to take the time to prayerfully read Luke’s full Gospel account of Christ’s passion (Luke 22:14 - 23:56) so that we may more fully enter into the mystery of our Lord's gift of self to us and also to consider our response to that gift.