Sixth Sunday of Lent: Palm Sunday

Why was the blood that was shed for us, God’s most precious and glorious blood, this blood of the One who carried out the sacrifice and of the One who was himself the sacrifice? Why was it poured out, and to whom was it offered? These are questions that echo within my mind.

If the death of Christ was a ransom paid to the Father, the question that arises is for what reason? We were not held captive by the Father. And anyway, why should the blood of his only Son be pleasing to the Father who once refused to accept Isaac when Abraham his father offered him as a burnt offering, and instead was pleased to accept the sacrifice of a ram?

Surely it is evident that the Father accepts the sacrifice of Christ, not because he demands it, still less because he feels some need of it, but in order to carry forward his own purposes for the world. Humanity had to be brought back to live by the humanity of God. We had to be summoned to life by his Son.

Let the rest be adored in silence.

Nothing can equal the miracle of my salvation. A few drops of blood have set free the entire universe.

A Reading from an oration by Gregory of Nazianzus.

Today we begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday, celebrating Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, welcomed by the people who put down palms to welcome him. Already we look forward to the events of Good Friday and the crucifixion. This week, time is not really linear, we start the week knowing what is to come, and we re-live it each day as we move through the week.

During Holy Week, there are no other celebrations or commemorations as the Passion of the Lord is more important.

We pray for all Christians across the world, especially those who are preparing for baptism and confirmation at Easter.

Collect of the Sixth Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God,
who, in your tender love towards the human race,
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
Grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.