13 April, Sunday — Triumph or Tragedy?

Palm Sunday

Isa 50:4-7
Phi 2:6-11
Lk 22:14-23:56

The greatest among you must behave as if he were the youngest, the leader if he were the one who serves

It has been said that “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This statement seems very true, and it does appear to be the case. Each one of us may have experienced this before. However, I am inclined to believe more in the statement made by Robert G. Ingersoll in his introductory remarks about Abraham Lincoln when he mentioned that ‘“If you want to find out what a man is to the bottom, give him power. Any man can stand adversity — only a great man can stand prosperity.”‘ The Gospel of today reminds us of the purpose of Jesus’ role in the world, and how we can learn from it.

Jesus knew from the beginning that his entry into Jerusalem was the start of the Passion and the sole purpose of Him coming on earth. The demonstration of his kingship was very different from the one exhibited by Herod and Pilate; it seems that his authority stems from humility. Humility is often confused with weakness in today’s world, and this confusion has had devastating consequences in interactions amongst humankind. Perhaps we could take the effort to consider the change which power has had on our own selves. The mannerisms, actions and choice of words change the moment the individual has experienced the ability of power to achieve one’s aims. Yet, it is because of this subtle ability of power to change us that we need the grace of God even more. Jesus did not let the temptation of power get into Him but, instead, stayed true to His own self.

This caused Him to die but in doing so, He showed the world that Love triumphs over Pride. The scribes and Pharisees thought that Jesus’ death was the end of the threat to their power. What they did not realise was that it was the revitalisation of the Jewish religion, which translated into a new belief system based on the teachings of Christ. As we enter into Holy Week, let us now recognise that it is holy not because the Church tells us so but rather, because it is an opportunity for us to become examples of holiness to those around us.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)

Prayer: Jesus, I pray for the ability to recognise that all power and glory on this earth is fleeting and that it is You whom I serve.

Thanksgiving: We give thanks to all who remind us of the need to stay fixed on Jesus.