Saint Paul sums up the readings for today when he says: "And being found in human form, he (Jesus) humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil 2: 7-8) Jesus did not seek to exploit the approval, even celebrity, he experienced during his triumphal entry to Jerusalem. In the period that followed he cleansed the Temple and debated with the Pharisees and others to vindicate the will of the Father. He did not have a death wish, rather he knew that his suffering, as predicted in the First Reading was for the salvation of many, so he said: "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." (Mtt 26: 42) The question is not what Jesus did or why he did it. The question for us at this time is what is our response? Such great love begs a response. If we remain indifferent to Jesus it is we who suffer. If we ignore his sacrifice the fruits of his salvific love will remain beyond our reach.
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