Sunday 5 April 2009

Palm Sunday

The days before Palm Sunday Jesus spent in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. Bethany is recorded in the New Testament as the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, as well as that of Simon the Leper. It was from here that Jesus departed for his solemn entry into the city for the week above all weeks.. Bethany is commonly identified with the Palestinian village of al-Eizariya (Place of Lazarus) located about 1.5 miles (2 km) to the east of Jerusalem on the south-eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. It was during these days, probably yesterday, that as Jesus reclined at table; Mary poured a flask of expensive perfume over his feet. Mary was criticized for wasting what might have been sold to raise money for the poor, and Jesus spoke on her behalf. (John 12:1-8) For Jesus, Bethany is the house of friends. He left comfort and security to face uncertainty and a very cruel death. As we walk with him to Jerusalem today, let us ask him to give us the grace to leave our comfort zones so that with him and in him and through him we can embrace the cross and walk in the light of the glorious resurrection of which we have a first glimpse today as we walk to Jerusalem.

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