AS WE celebrate Palm Sunday this year, to commemorate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem before his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, I invite you to reflect on the words of the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, to the people of Cuba as he entered their county, a truly impressive and historic visit: “I carry in my heart the just aspirations and legitimate desires of all Cubans, wherever they may be. Their sufferings and their joys, their concerns and their noblest desires, those of the young and the elderly, of adolescents and children, of the sick and the workers, of prisoners and their families, and of the poor and those in need.” Like Jesus during his entrance into Jerusalem, who held in his heart the aspirations of people, especially the poor, the sick, the powerless, the sinners and the alienated, the present Vicar of Christ expressed the same sentiment of solidarity and care to the people of Cuba. It’s the same sentiment he shared to the people of Mexico when he visited them last week.
Indeed, isn’t this what the Vicar of Christ should be? One who travels into the heart of humanity to bring consolation, hope, wisdom, peace, justice, reconciliation and most of all redemption from false living? One whose path is a path into the heart of God’s word?
In these difficult economic times, we need to hear voices from those who speak in the name of Christ to redirect our hearts and mind to the true meaning of life and the will of God for all people. The will of the Father is always liberation from sin and the achievement of peace and justice. Even all economic reforms should be grounded on the promotion of dignity of every human being, justice for all, and the eradication of al forms of evil. The Holy Father’s call on Cuba to build open society must be interpreted as a call to build a New Jerusalem in this world where peace and prosperity is experienced by all!
The Vicar of Christ reached out with love and compassion to the people of Mexico and Cuba. It’s the same path that all of us should take. The celebration of Holy Week would only have true meaning, if we take the same route of compassion and love. Conversion of hearts should allow us to exercise sacrificial love not only for our families but also for our church, our society, and community.
Indeed, we need to heed to the call of God for change of hearts through the voices of his disciples on earth, particularly during Holy Week.
On Holy Thursday we’ll hear the commandment to “wash each other’s feet.” On Good Friday, we’ll listen to Passion of Christ, a manifestation of his sacrificial and eternal love for us, and on Easter Vigil and Easter Masses we’ll be reminded of new life and hope promised to all people.
Let this Holy Week influence our thoughts and actions everyday of our lives! Let it bring new beginning and hope in all of us and in countries around the globe!
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Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas attended St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities. Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles. Please email Fr. Rodel at [email protected].