Where is God?
april 13, 2025 | palm sunday of the lord’s passion, Year C
Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:1-23:56
In today's passion of our Lord, we reflect on the reality of our own suffering. God's silence in the face of Jesus' suffering is as shocking as it is in the situation of our world. Where is God when so many horrible and evil things are happening in our world? The cry of Jesus' prayer (Ps 22) helps us to understand 4 important lessons.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
1) Expressing our frustrations to God is normal.
In the midst of our problems, doubts, and uncertainties, it is normal for us to question God or to express our frustrations and confusion to God. When a poor man called the Lord heard him. We know God is good, but at the same time, in our frailty, we must cast all our cares on God. Isaiah, in the first reading, expresses his faith in the God whose help can not fail. 2) Obedience and humility.
God does not give us the answer to why things happen they are happening in our
world or in our own lives because knowing will not make us feel any better. However, God remains in control of his plan of salvation. He invites us to obedience, humility, and service after the example of Christ. (Phil 2:1-11)
3) Silence is not absence.
The silence of God is not to be confused with his absence from our lives. God is rather working great things behind the scenes. Dear friends, when we can not trust God’s hand, we can fully trust his heart.
4) Jesus feels with us.
Jesus understands our pains. We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our pains. Hebrews 4:16- 20. God is not indifferent to the actual situations of our world, but he is at work and leading things together in Christ. Let's us pray:
"Lord, when I feel Lost, let me not forget that you're my way. sometimes I feel alone and far from You. Assure me of your presence. When life is hard, and I don’t know what to do. I cry out, wondering if you hear me. Help me trust that You are always near, Lord, Jesus. Amen.
Jesus, I trust in you
Living the Gospel this week. Greater love for Easter. John 15:13
How do I make my Holy week meaningful with my family this year?
With the celebration of the palm Sunday, we enter into the Holy week. This week can be challenging. Here are some ways to help you make it meaningful and holy.
Sit down as a family to prepare for Holy Week. Involve all who live with you into the preparations. Don’t just give them the jobs you dislike.
Set time aside for common prayer by reducing the time of your social media. Take time to read and share the Good News of the Passion with your family. Divide into at least 5 to 6 parts. Or else watch the passion of the Lord together.
Find time for the sacrament of reconciliation that helps you to seek forgiveness and to forgive others.
Pray the stations of the cross, especially on Friday. Make time for the celebrations of the triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday night Vigil or the proper Easter Mass on Sunday).
Remember: "Greater love had no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
Fr. Georges sac