Inbox Inspiration: April 5, 2020: Special - 6 Palm/Passion Sunday

Special – 6
Palm/Passion Sunday 
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66   
  

As you know, there are four gospels.
Each gospel writer – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – each of them tells the story of the Passion, Jesus’ suffering and death.
However, each of them tells it a bit differently – each giving us a detail that the others may not, or each writing from a slightly different perspective.
On this Palm/Passion Sunday, the Passion according to Matthew is read.
One of the unique aspects of Matthew’s account is that he is the only one of the four gospel writers who tells about Judas committing suicide.
The question is: why does he mention this?
Judas has sold out Jesus for some money but then realizes that what he has done is terribly wrong.
He realizes that he has betrayed a good and holy man.
Tragically, Judas does not realize that Jesus is so good that he will forgive and accept him back.
Judas fails to see or trust this.
So implicitly, by recalling Judas’ suicide, Matthew wants us to be clear that nothing we do is too bad to be forgiven by God.
God’s love for us is unconditional, and there is nothing about us as persons or about our behavior that is beyond God’s forgiveness.
Let’s recall this if we at some time feel very guilty, even ashamed and down on ourselves.
And, by all means, let’ share this with someone else who is feeling that way.

Father Michael Schleupner

In addition to the usual Wednesday edition, I began these Special Inbox Inspirations on Fridays and Sundays when the Coronavirus Crisis began. On Fridays, there is a prayer related to the crisis and on Sundays, a reflection on the Sunday gospel. I hope these are helpful.