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The Love that Compels

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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, April 2, 2023

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Scripture:

Matthew 21:1-11
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Matthew 26:14-27:66

Reflection:

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. We will hear the reading of The Passion according to Matthew today, recounting Jesus’ Last Supper and all the dramatic and sorrowful events leading up to His crucifixion and His death on Good Friday. Jesus foretold His passion; he knew when He came into Jerusalem that He was going to face betrayal, violence, and terrible physical suffering. So, what was His attitude going into this?

In today’s second reading, St. Paul says: “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:5-6) Another word for grasp would be “cling”. Jesus chose not to cling to His divine prerogatives, and to humbly submit to an ignominious death on a cross. These words were addressed to the people at Philippi in northeastern Greece, many of whom were retired Roman soldiers, and whose culture emphasized ambition, status, and wealth.

St. Paul goes on to say: “Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness and found human in appearance, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:7-8) The phrase “emptied Himself” (“kenosis” in Greek) is the opposite of “grasping” or clinging.

As Holy Week progresses, we see Jesus the servant leader, humbling kneeling on the floor, and washing His disciples’ feet. We see His forbearance as He endures the betrayal of friends, and the arrogant taunts of those in power. We see him comforting those who walked to Calvary with him. We see Him letting go, pouring out His life for us.

As Passionists we proclaim that the Passion is the extraordinary expression of the love of God. This week, as we contemplate Jesus’ Passion, may our hearts be imbued with the attitude of Jesus, who did not cling or grasp, but emptied Himself for love.

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.

Daily Scripture, August 28, 2008

The Feast of St. Augustine Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Matthew 24:42-51 Reflection: Matthew’s Gospel boldly proclaims the words of Jesus:  "Stay awake!  For you do not know on which day » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 27, 2008

The Feast of St. Monica Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18 Matthew 23:27-32 Reflection: Readers of the daily Scriptures have another "woe" to contemplate today.  This is the sixth of seven » Continue Reading.

Daily Reflection, August 7, 2008

Scripture: Jeremiah 31: 31-34 Matthew 16:13-23 Reflection: The first reading speaks of great changes coming to Israel’s people, changes that will come from God and will be established in a » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 26, 2008

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17 Matthew 23:23-26 Reflection:  In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus continues His denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. In the first part of our passage (Matthew 23:23-24), » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 25, 2008

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12 Matthew 23:13-22 Reflection: This is one of the longest and harshest passages by Jesus in the Gospels directed against the Pharisees.  They impose heavy burdens » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 24, 2008

Scripture: Isaiah 22:19-23 Romans 11:33-36 Matthew 16:13-20 Reflection: So many strange and wonderful Biblical events take place on the mountains, above the ordinary plane of human endeavor.  The Scriptures often » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 23, 2008

Scripture: Ezekiel 43:1-7ab Matthew 23:1-12 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus has harsh words for the scribes and the Pharisees: "…do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 22, 2008

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Matthew 22: 34-40 Reflection: Do you really believe that life is more powerful than death?  Do you really believe that good overcomes evil?  For all people, these » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 21, 2008

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:23-28 Matthew 22:1-14 Reflection: It’s fun to wrestle with the paradoxes of Scripture. At one point Jesus says, "Peace is my gift to you, my peace I want » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 20, 2008

Feast of St. Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Scripture: Ezekiel 34:1-11 Matthew 20:1-16 Reflection: Well, it happened!  The whole world watched Michael Phelps swim into Olympic history and » Continue Reading.

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