THE PARADOX OF THE KING AND THE CROSS
Homily for Palm Sunda y (Year A) Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch Matthew 21:1-11; Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66 Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of the Holy Week . The liturgy of today is very vast. It begins with the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem . Jesus enters not on a war horse, but on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and redefining kingship. He is a King, but not according to worldly categories. His authority is expressed in humility, not domination. Already, the paradox is clear: divine kingship revealed in meekness. This paradox deepens in the First Reading from Book of Isaiah . The Suffering Servant speaks: “I gave my back to those who beat me… I did not shield my face from buffets and spitting.” This is not passive resignation, but active obedience. The Servant listens, receives, and responds in fidelity. Suffering here is not meaningless; it is redemptive, embraced in trust in God. Our own suffering too becomes redemptive when we unite it w...
