March 20, 2016
Palm Sunday
While there are many similarities in the Passion Narratives of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John, each evangelist offers unique insight into the person of Jesus as if painting a portrait. Today we are proclaiming and listening to the Gospel according to St. Luke. There are special touches or remembrances not mentioned by the other evangelists. They include: a ministering angel comes and comforts Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; Jesus reprimands the disciples for drawing a sword and then heals the servant’s ear; Pilate sends Jesus to Herod; there are lamenting women; Jesus promises paradise to one crucified with him; Jesus begs God: “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing;†Jesus prays to God: “Father into your hands I place my spirit.†Jesus dies at peace with himself and with God. Even during his last hours of life, St. Luke presents Jesus concerned with women, forgiving, healing and praying just as he did during his public ministry. Dante, the great Italian poet, reflecting on the Lucan Gospel refers to the “gentleness of Christ.†St. Luke makes it easier for us to draw closer to Jesus. Perhaps that is why we are here today
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5th Sunday of Lent (A)
