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Take Five for Faith, Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Hail our conquering hero

The palms used in the rituals of Palm Sunday signify victory over one’s enemies; yet the scripture reading for today offers an account of Judas’ treachery toward Jesus. How odd. Somehow we’re saying that despite being betrayed, tortured, and murdered, Jesus is our hope and our salvation. That is the outrageous truth of Christianity. Jesus draws life from a source that conquers death and the death-dealing falsehood that we are defined by our sins. Just consider this: Many of Jesus’ most beloved disciples denied and deserted him before his death, but only one is called a traitor. The reason: All but one repented. In your own Christian discipleship, remember that it is your willingness to acknowledge your failings and undergo conversion again and again that is most important.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66

“And while they were eating, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ ”

©2008 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. Phone: 800-942-2811; e-mail: mail@takefiveforfaith.com; website: www.TakeFiveForFaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Scripture quotes come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

Contributors: Father Paul Boudreau, Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, Ann O’Connor, Sean Reynolds, Joel Schorn, and Patrice J. Tuohy