Homily Palm Sunday - April 13, 2025

 Today's readings can be found here.

            What makes us great?  The disciples argued about which of them was the greatest.  Jesus defined greatness clearly and simply for them and us: the greatest must be as the youngest, the leader as the servant.  Greatness is serving others.  Jesus served others throughout His ministry while on earth.  He went to the outcasts of society and brought them back into the community.  He healed them and forgave their sins.  He criticized the religious leaders for their lack of mercy, hypocrisy, and self righteousness.  This angered them resulting in Jesus being arrested, abused, mocked, and killed.

            As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to serve others the same way Jesus taught and did.  To feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and those in prison.  To speak out for those who are considered outsiders in our society.  Like Jesus, we may anger those in power and the people that agree with them.  But we can’t let that prevent us from ministering to others.

            Jesus has given us the tools and example we need to be servants.  Like Jesus in the garden, we must pray and ask God’s will for us, even if it’s difficult.  Jesus did not respond to those that persecuted Him in anger.  Instead, he showed forgiveness and mercy.  He healed the ear of servant sent out with clubs to arrest him.  On the cross, He asked God to forgive those that crucified Him.  He forgave the thief crucified with Him.  Most importantly, Jesus gave us the Eucharist to strengthen us in doing God’s will and serving others.

            Jesus told us the greatest commandments are to love God with all our strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  He also told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.  As disciples of Jesus, we must follow His example in ministering to others.  Jesus loved us enough to die on the cross for EVERYONE.  Let’s love others the way Jesus loves them.  Let’s make ourselves great the way Jesus defines greatness.