April 13, 2025・Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday)（Ｃ）

Isaiah 50.4-7・ Psalm 22.8+9,17+18,19+20,23+24・Philippians 2.6-11・Luke 22.14 - 23.56

The readings of the first day of the Holy Week settle the mood worthy of commemorating the holy week leading up to Easter celebration. The grace we can get out in this week-long commemoration is a deeper understanding of the relationship of Jesus` passion to our daily life experiences as Christians. Thus, a determination to continue proclaiming the Word of God/ God`s message despite challenges that come with it (proclamation) is another grace that come from a deeper understanding of what this Holy Week is really all about.

The story about Jesus in His passion and death continue to represent deep suffering and pain of many in this world.

We do commemorate the Holy Week not just once but in a yearly manner in our church life. We are commemorating the so-called inevitable/unavoidable passion experience (suffering pain, trial, death on the cross) of Jesus. Jesus responded with patience, humility, sacrifice and obedience.  This time, again, may we see its deeper relevance, to our daily lives as believers. May we truly find these great response(s) of Jesus to the Will of the Heavenly Father and to His own unavoidable passion experience relevant to our modern Christian living. 

May we all be true witnesses of what the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem symbolizes in/for our present living and be active instruments in easing the suffering and pain of many people around, and be humble, patient and joyful bringers of hope and deep faith in Jesus.