To the New Jerusalem through the Cup

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today are the first Scripture proclaimed in Holy Week. One approach to this week is suggested by Fr Larry Gillick SJ. His daily reflection mentions memories and choices. The Passion from the Gospel of St Matthew may be familiar but we have the experience that the words will speak new truth to us as we struggle to open our ears, be awake and avoid the sleepiness of Jesus friends as recounted by Matthew. The gathering together of the memories of our response to the Passion might include the “hosanna” portion of “Jesus Christ Superstar” if you are of “a certain age”. The journey we have taken through Lent reacquaints us with the mystery of the Journey to Jerusalem. The innocent, who has done no harm, who, as Paul proclaims to the Philippians, is the Divine choosing to be human and obedient to death on the cross. The obedience to the will of God is the motivation of the suffering servant from the Book of Isaiah, who praises God for the open ear to know and take on the path of humiliation and shame with a set and quiet jaw. Where does the strength to see oneself being depleted through choices to be faithful to the Covenant come from? The psalmist cries out to convince us of the intimate Presence with the afflicted and suffering. The choice to be in communion or the fear of losing communion with the Divine is behind the prayer, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Mt 26:39). We know the “what” of the great events of Jesus mission, acclamation as Messiah, Last Supper, passion, death and Resurrection. We pray that the “Why” of the events of Holy Week will inspire us to choose to “accept the Cup of Jesus” which is to live a closer intimacy with the Divine through the resonance of the indwelling Spirit.