An anecdote from Roman history sheds an interesting light on Christ’s Palm Sunday victory parade. In 27 BC, Octavian, a great general of the late Roman Republic, was paraded around Rome in a chariot, while the Romans cheered his name. He was being honored by the Senate for avenging the assassination of Julius Caesar and restoring peace to Rome's vast territories, a remarkable peace that lasted for 40 years and came to be known as the great Pax Romana. But standing right next to the general, inside the parading chariot, was a humble slave. This slave was there for two purposes: first, to hold Octavian's crown high above his head for all to see; and second, to whisper into his ear the words, "Remember, you are mortal." Octavian ended up becoming the first emperor of Rome. He died in the year 14 AD.
On the surface, Christ’s parade into Jerusalem is very similar – a joyful atmosphere, cheering crowds – but there are at least two important differences. First, Octavian's parade happened after he won his victories, but Jesus initiates his parade before the victory of His cross and resurrection. Human leaders can always fail, and that's why we don't acclaim them until after they have proven themselves. But Christ is much more than a human leader; He is God. We can put our faith in Him no matter what. Even though we still suffer and experience the cross in our lives, we know that as long as we stay united to Christ, we will eventually share in His victory.
Second, Octavian's earthly peace eventually came to an end, but the peace Christ offers us, the peace of heart, conscience, and mind, will last forever. One week from today, on Easter Sunday, Jesus will appear to His apostles and His first words to them will be: Peace be with you. The slave in Octavian's chariot was reminding the great general that he was mortal, his reign would someday come to an end. But today Jesus is whispering in our ears, "Remember, I have won for you immortal and everlasting life."
The more we know, love, and follow Christ, the more we will discover how trustworthy He really is, and the more fully we will be able to experience the peace and life that Christ's victory won for us. Christ wants to penetrate the walls around our hearts and bring us the assurance of His love. He wants to take the pressure off our lives. He wants to convince us that we don't need to struggle to earn His love, and that we don't need to be afraid of losing it. He wants to take our wounds upon Himself, so that we don't have to suffer alone, and so that He can heal them. Will we let Him?
This week, this Holy Week, is a time for us to let Him win over our hearts, to let Him convince us that we can trust Him. We are all hurting, for most of us we have never experienced such a spiritual challenge and sacramental depravity. May I suggest advice that was given to me by a saintly priest, Fr. John Hardon, S.J., Servant of God (first step in process of canonization) 32 years ago? Spend at least 15 minutes a day, more if you can, meditating on the crucifix. Just look at one on the wall of your home (We all should have one in our home or on the end of Rosary.). Just look at the manifestation of God’s love for you; see how much He loves you. This week that changed the world is a week when we can kneel down and look into His eyes over and over again, and let His grace penetrate our hearts. But to do that we have to give Him a chance. We definitely have the time to spend with Him.
When young lovers go on a honeymoon, they go away to be alone together, so that their love can flourish. Holy Week is a time when we, the Church, the Bride of Christ, go on a honeymoon with Christ. We shouldn't let this week be just like every other week. We mustn't let the special graces God has in store for each one of us go to waste. We need to decide today that we will take the time to let Christ's victory penetrate our hearts a little bit more, so we can experience life more and more as He means us to experience it, a life of peace, with the pressure off.
For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion
Have Mercy on us and on the Whole World
Fr. Pecchie
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