Reflections for Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025

Brothers & Sisters,

In our Bible reading today, Isaiah 50:7, the prophet addresses the deep emotions that Jesus must have experienced as he drew closer to Jerusalem, the place of his Crucifixion. As he met with the disciples in the Upper Room for the last supper (Luke 22:14), Jesus knew what his mission was, and even amidst the attempts of the enemy to bring shame and disgrace upon Jesus during his trial, he “set his face like a flint” determined to finish the race God had set before Him.

The Apostle Paul, who had never experienced Jesus personally, had that same determination to finish a race that Jesus had called him to. This race was preaching the Gospel of the Good News to the Gentiles.  In Philippians 3: 12, Paul said that” I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me”. Even with the “unpleasant circumstances of imprisonment” and the ever-present possibility of death by his captors, Paul was determined to push forward on his mission, his personal race.

Our scripture reading for today encourages us to be imitators of Christ, to lead a life that reflects the character of Jesus Christ while he was here on earth. Each of us in the body of Christ has a race to run. For some, it may be playing the organ during worship, singing in the choir, teaching the young children in Sunday School, contributing to care packages for the less fortunate in our community or serving in the various organizations of the church. Whatever our race is, Jesus wants us to set our face like a flint, to commit to what we know is God’s will for us, and persevere no matter the challenges and opposition to fulfilling our purpose. Just as Jesus and Paul did, they did not give up but kept going even in the midst of challenges.

Hebrews 12: 1 – 2 reminds us, “And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.

Whatever our race it, let us run with endurance, let us be fully committed to our personal mission as we await the words of our Lord at the end. Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:23).    

Contributed!

.