Unexpectedly, Someone Will Come and Ask, ‘Why Is It, Every Time I Come to Church, I Get a Palm?’

Perhaps it is an age thing for me, but did you notice how quickly we left Advent, Christmas, and Lent? As I write, it is a week or so before Holy Week begins. It has arrived so quickly, sort of similar to the seasonal mix-up of very little snow, early spring flowers and who-knows-what-will-come weather-wise.

Unexpectedly, someone will come along and ask, “Why is it, every time I come to church, I get a palm?”

Or when you explain that this is “Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord,” someone, usually a child, will look at the palms of their hands.

It brings a smile perhaps, but, you know, when you really give it some thought ... it is about the real palms of Jesus and his willingness to hold them out, for us.

It’s quite clear from the Passion of Luke that Jesus is an innocent person who is unjustly accused and then murdered by the established power.

So many people suffer each day ... from personal problems, habits, addictions, guilt, disease and more. Some, as a result of things they have chosen to do or even failed to do.

There are others, though, innocent ... those who, like Jesus, are acted upon. They do not deserve it; they are victims.

It is very difficult to understand why bad things happen to good people.

Throughout the Scriptures, Jesus is asked, and explains, over and over, who he is and what he has come to do. The Scriptures establish who Jesus is at the Annunciation, at the baptism of Jesus, in the Transfiguration. The crucifixion is not about Jesus’ identity. It is about his mission.

If you watch Jesus you might notice that, even in his passion, he is there for others.

His words from the cross are a way to help to make sense of our experiences of faith:

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”

He died as he lived, forgiving others.

The so-called good thief asks, from his own cross, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus does not say, “Sure, I’ll remember you.” He says, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” You are with me.

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

When you hurt, are in pain, turn to the cross for your strength, for your resurrection.

Look at your hands, your palms, and look at his on the cross, the crucifix and ask him to hold your palms, your life, and all your pains in his.

Some people look at the crucifix and think, “Look what I have done to him.”

Others look at the crucifix and think, “Look at what he has done, and does, for me.”

With the innocence of a child, ask him, “What can I do for you?”

If you need more help, ask his mother.

“Look upon your Church, O God, with unfailing love and favor, so that, renewed by the paschal mysteries, she may come to the glory of the resurrection, through Christ our Lord.”