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Easter Season
A long time ago, in
about the year 30, on a day we now call Palm Sunday, two processions
entered the city of Jerusalem. On
the west side of the city, Pilate, the Roman governor, entered Jerusalem
at head of an imperial cavalry and a band of soldiers, proclaiming
himself ruler of Rome, Son of God, and the lord who bring peace on Earth
through the power of armies, violence and political and economic
oppression.
On the east side of
the city, Jesus, who had prearranged a counter procession and
demonstration, rode on a simple donkey, proclaiming a way to peace on
Earth by non-violence, justice and prosperity for all, with no
exceptions. Some people were
in Pilate’s procession; others risked following Jesus.
The same alternatives face each of us today.
Easter is about: Which procession do we choose to be in?
I suggest we have
chosen to follow in Jesus’ procession.
Why are we here?
Why do we
inconvenience ourselves for others?
For the neighbor in need? For
the ungrateful and difficult? For
the stranger, the immigrant? Why
do we sacrifice with financial support, large or small, for the hungry,
the homeless, the children? Why
do we forgive those who have hurt us?
Why do we risk speaking and acting on behalf of the voiceless and
powerless? "We do it because
we love God and all that belongs to God.
We are who we are and we do what we do because we love God.
And the measure of our love is what we do for the least in our
society and world. "
Unlike the temple
authorities Jesus chased from the temple, we know that divine worship
and church attendance do not excuse us from justice.
Our response to God, as with Jesus, must be both personal and
political,: a deep centering in God that includes radical trust and
commitment and a passion for compassion, justice, and non-violence.
For each of you who share in the mission and charism of the
Sisters of St. Joseph and for each Sister of St. Joseph:
Justice is the social outcome of deep love of God and neighbor
without distinction. We
thank each of you for the strength you give us by sharing in our
mission. We could not do
what we do without you.
Like the disciples
on the way to Emmaus, may you hear the risen Christ explaining the
Scriptures to you, may you see him in the stranger, and may you draw
close to him in the breaking of the bread.
We are the people in the right procession!
*From
the song “Because We Love God” by
Kathy Sherman, CSJ.
Reference
for this reflection: The Last Week by Borg and Crossan.
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