Fr Eduardo Emilio Agüero, SCJ
The whole Old Testament—its teachings, figures, and prophecies—finds its plenitude and completion in the person, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, incarnated by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary.
The Triumphal Entry: A Humble King
Palm Sunday is a solemn occasion to witness the terrible passion of our Lord, endured for our sake, and to allow ourselves to be moved by God’s unconditional and extraordinary love. At the beginning of Mass, we reenact the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as a humble king, mounted on a donkey, fulfilling the words of the prophet Zechariah: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9-10)
Jesus, the Suffering Servant of God
The mysterious character of the suffering servant of Yahweh—presented in four canticles in the Book of Isaiah—remains a puzzle for many Jews today. However, when we read and meditate on the passion of our Lord, we see that Jesus perfectly embodies this servant. St. Paul affirms this in his hymn: “He emptied himself and took the form of a slave.” (Phil 2:7)
Jesus did not merely become a man—He became a servant: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
A Kingdom Rooted in Hearts
Though Jesus recognized the corruption and tyranny of the Roman regime, He never incited revolution against its oppression nor engaged in political criticism. His mission was far greater—He sought to establish the Kingdom of God, first within the hearts of His people, then among His disciples, and ultimately in the Church, which was born through His sacrifice, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, the Church is sent into the world to proclaim God’s redeeming love and bring unity between humanity and its Creator (2 Cor 5:11-21).
The Power of the Word
“The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue.” (Is 50:4) Jesus’ wisdom is cultivated through silence, prayer, contemplation, restraint, and discipline: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.” (Prov 21:23) “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19) This process equips Him to speak words that bring comfort: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28) Jesus speaks the Word of God—and more than that—He IS the Word of God.
The Servant’s Obedience
“Morning after morning He opens my ear that I may hear; I have not rebelled, nor turned back.” (Is 50:5)
The servant can speak God’s Word because He first learns to listen. In Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, obedience stems from listening attentively. The English word “obedience” comes from the Latin “obaudire,” meaning “listen attentively toward” or “hear and respond.” St. Paul emphasizes that Christ was obedient to His Father to the point of death. And not just any death: “And death on a cross.” (Phil 2:8)
The most painful and humiliating execution the Romans inflicted upon rebels. It is remarkable that the two Romans with the authority to condemn Jesus—Pilate—and to execute that sentence—the Centurion—declare that they find no fault in Him.
Sacrificial Love
“I gave my back to those who beat me.” (Is 50:6) Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek when struck. Yet, He went far beyond that, willingly accepting an unjust sentence upon Himself for our sake: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7)
The Call to Discipleship
Palm Sunday liturgy calls us to enter into the suffering of Christ—not as distant observers but as participants in His journey. It invites us to empathize with His pain, to stand with Him in His passion, and to courageously accept the challenge of discipleship, even when the road leads to sacrifice. To follow Christ is to embrace the paradox of the Gospel: “Whoever wants to save his life must lose it.” (Matthew 16:25)
This truth challenges the world’s values. In a society that often seeks comfort, success, and self-preservation, Jesus offers a different path—one of surrender, love, and self-giving. His way leads not to earthly glory, but to a deeper transformation: the death of the old self and the birth of something new through the power of His resurrection and the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
May we have the courage to follow Him—not only in times of joy but also through the depths of suffering—trusting that the cross leads to the abundant life He promised to all who remain in Him.
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