Suara Keheningan | RP. Inosensius Ino, O.CarmToday, we begin Holy Week by celebrating Palm Sunday. We recall how Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with joyful shouts: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
But we also know that this joy was short-lived. Soon after, many of the same voices would cry out: “Crucify Him!”Jesus accepted the Hosannas, but He was not deceived by fleeting praise. He knew the way of the cross awaited Him. Even His closest disciples would abandon Him. And here we learn something essential: Jesus’ faithfulness did not depend on human approval. It flowed from His obedience to the Father and His boundless love for us.
The Church experiences the same reality. At times, it is welcomed and praised. At other times, it is rejected and pushed aside. But like Jesus, the Church must not rely on human applause or fear human rejection. The Church places its hope in only one thing: the faithfulness of God.
In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear of the Suffering Servant, who remains faithful even when mocked and abused: “I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.” He does not retreat. He listens, he learns, he obeys—even when the world wounds him.
Then, in the second reading from Philippians, we hear of Jesus, who, though He was God, emptied Himself. He became human—and more than that, a servant—obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
This is true love: not a love that demands, but one that gives itself completely. Because of this, God highly exalted Him, and every tongue confesses: Jesus Christ is Lord.Then we arrive at the Passion narrative. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is portrayed not only as one who suffers but as light in the midst of darkness. In the face of betrayal, false judgment, brutal beatings, and the cross, Jesus continues to love.
He forgives those who crucify Him. He strengthens the faith of the repentant thief. And He entrusts His spirit into the Father’s hands with total trust.
What does this mean for us today? Palm Sunday is not merely the beginning of Holy Week. It is an invitation. Will we follow Jesus not only in moments of celebration but also in the way of the cross?
We are called not just to admire Jesus but to be His faithful disciples—those who continue walking with Him even when the path grows heavy.
Jesus never promised a life without the cross. But He gave the cross meaning: suffering filled with love, wounds transformed into the way of salvation.
Let us enter this Holy Week with open hearts. Let us gaze upon the cross of Christ. There, God has given everything for us. In Jesus, God did not remain distant—He came close, He suffered, and He died for us. This is love beyond measure.
And so, from the depths of our hearts, let us say: Hosanna, Jesus! Thank You for loving us to the end. Teach us to be faithful, even when we must carry the cross. Amen.
