Father Thomas Welbers' Homily

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word:

All the readings today center on the person of Christ Jesus, in his sacrificial death. He is the obedient servant of God, acting on behalf of sinful humanity. As we listen, let us recall that our own attitude must be that of Christ.

Prologue to the Passion:

Is their any doubt as to who crucified Jesus? Is their any question who bears responsibility for his death? Clearly, we do. You and I are the guilty ones. A few minutes ago we shouted “Hosanna!” triumphantly welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem only five days before Good Friday. In a few minutes, we will together shout, “Crucify him!”

As we listen to and take part in the story of Jesus’ passion and death, let’s remind ourselves that without our sinfulness, our Savior need not have come. Let us approach the story of Jesus’ crucifixion with hearts filled with gratitude that we have so wonderful a Savior.

Epilogue to the Passion:

Certainly many of us can no longer think of the Passion of Jesus without the images of frightful brutality that Mel Gibson gave us in his movie. The movie ends with just the briefest hint of the Resurrection, but that’s really about all you can or need to say. The risen Jesus is alive among us, but today, in this world, we are still living the Passion of Jesus. Jesus is still being crucified in all the cruelty and injustice that people continue to inflict on one another. Jesus continues to suffer through our indifference and neglect of our suffering brothers and sisters. We as disciples of Jesus are still living under the command to take up our cross – even daily – in order to follow him. But we are living in hope of Resurrection, aware in faith that our destiny is to live forever with the Jesus who has triumphed over sin and death. And our hope is sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is continually poured out upon us by the Risen Jesus.

© Thomas Welbers 2004

Here are some useful links, which provide material for the study of these liturgical readings, and reflections on their message:

The Text This Week: Liturgy of the Palms / Liturgy of the Passion

Daily Word of Life

The Center for Liturgy at St. Louis University

Lectionary Resource for Catholics