Today is Passion Sunday, which also signifies the beginning of Holy Week, a significant period of time in our church. The three main themes of the gospel today are agony, betrayal, and condemnation.

Agony

Jesus and his followers visited a location called Gethsemane after the final supper, where He prayed. Jesus is distressed. He was aware that a disciple would approach Him at any time and turn on Him. In His human form, Jesus understands the suffering He has go through to carry out the prophecy. Jesus was aware of the sufferings He may experience. Yet, He nonetheless obeyed His Father's instructions.

Jesus' suffering served as a reminder to us that, as humans, we were powerless to deny how difficult and agonizing the path to salvation was. We cannot take quick routes on the road to salvation. There are no expressways, bypass routes, or special accommodations; the only route is through our misery.

Betrayal

Jesus was sold by Judas Iscariot to the Chief Priest for the sum of thirty pieces of silver. Judas, who was followed by a sizable crowd, kissed Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" in an obvious effort to have Him arrested. Jesus knew that one of his followers would turn on him. During the Last Supper, he made mention about one of his disciples betraying him.

It hurts and disappoints you in some way when someone close to you betrays you. Judas Iscariot is the keep of the purse, and it is disheartening that a person you can trust on could turn out to be treacherous. Many believe that being trusted with something or someone indicates that you are a good keeper and someone others can trust. Yet today, it's difficult to forgive someone for a traitorous deed. But, Jesus is different; he told Judas to "do whatever you come for," which is also a fulfillment of the prophecy.

Condemnation

Strong condemnation indicates dislike. Jesus' enemies were furious with Him and sentenced Him to death by crucifixion. Jesus died on the cross free from all sin, wrongdoing, and transgression. The fact that our ancestors chose to crucify the Son of Man is how disrespectful and disheartening. These behaviors are now also easily identifiable; some people exhibit disgust and hatred toward someone they believe is unfit or incapable, or just because they dislike them.

Let's examine ourselves as we approach Holy Week and ask, "What is my anguish?" Have I ever been a traitor? Have I ever condemned somebody because I didn't like them?

"Lord Jesus, help us to recognize our frailties so that we may seek your forgiveness from our self-righteousness. That Your will will always prevail over ours."

Amen.

Arvin Valencia | OLA Social Communications