Service, Obedience, Mercy - Passion Sunday, Year C

As we enter into Holy Week, Luke’s account of the Passion provides us with the perfect model of Christian discipleship:  being a humble servant, obedience to God’s will, and extending mercy and forgiveness.   There’s quite a bit to absorb in the Passion story. It would be good idea to take some time to read and reflect on it throughout Holy Week.    As I reflected on the Passion, Jesus’ acts of mercy really stood out to me.   He was ministering to others, while being persecuted and crucified.

There are three acts of mercy that I’d like to point out.  First, Jesus healed the ear of the servant that was cut off by Peter’s sword.   He also forgave his executioners stating, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”.   Jesus was merciful to those who were persecuting him. 

As Jesus hung on the cross, the repentant criminal, also known as St. Dismas, asked

Jesus, “to remember him when he comes into his kingdom”. Jesus responds, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise”.    St. Dismas does something very important: he was repentant and asks Jesus for mercy.   While Jesus was dying, he offers his mercy to a man who admittedly was justly condemned. 

This is a beautiful example of Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will, offering his life for us, so we may have eternal life.    Jesus didn’t come to condemn and judge. He came to serve, offering his own life as a sacrifice, so we could receive mercy and be welcomed into Paradise. St. Dismas offers a good example for us to follow: to humbly approach Jesus in repentance, and ask for his mercy.

As we enter into Holy Week let’s be instruments of God’s mercy.   There are many people who stay away from the Church because they feel like they’re not worthy of God’s mercy.  So if you know someone who’s been away from the Church, invite them back to receive God’s mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation. Also invite them to attend Holy week services.   Holy Thursday’s foot washing is a beautiful witness of Jesus humble service extending his love and mercy.  Pray for those who’ve felt they’re not worthy of God’s mercy. Last, ask yourself if there is someone that you could be merciful to as well.    Let’s ask for the grace to be merciful to others as we continue on to receive the Eucharist.