Lenten Reflection
“Reflection for the sixth week of Lent”
Thomas Zelinski, Capuchin
The Sixth Sunday of Lent is Passion/Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. Holy. Why is this week called “holy?” What is achieved during these days that warrants such a title? On the surface, the meaning is obvious: during these days we remember the culmination, the end-point of Jesus’ mission on earth. He was willing to go through the worst of human experiences in order to lead us through our experiences, through even death, into new life. Holy purpose; holy deeds; holy suffering; all for our salvation.
And so we again observe this week called “holy” and see it as one of those special times that mark our days on our pilgrim journey. We who have lived a while have been through this week many times. We have observed its rituals. We have meditated on its meaning. We have rejoiced in what Jesus was willing to do for us.
And yet, after all these years of this observance, after the historical facts themselves in the beginning, what are the results? If this is Holy Week, we look around our world again this year and see so much that is unholy: wars rage on; people starve; disease sweeps through many populations; governments continue to oppress their citizens; many people are simply disrespected for who they are. After all the years of observing Holy Week, so much remains that is not holy.
What then, for us? We walk again through these days with Jesus, opening ourselves again to that saving grace, to touch again what is holy. We walk in a palmed procession; we kneel and wash feet; we cower in fear at an execution; we feel loss; we dare to rejoice at resurrection. And then we take that message to that unholy world. Perhaps something can be changed, be converted, receive new life. Perhaps we can.