THE POWER OF DARKNESS IN ACTION

PALM SUNDAY: Lk 22:14 - 23:56

We start the Holy Week with Palm Sunday, in which we remember Jesus solemn entrance in Jerusalem, being proclaimed king by his disciples. That was a moment of rejoicing that did not last long. Very soon, the joy would give place to sorrow, suffering and death; and the expectation would be transformed into disappointment.

The Holy Week

The Holy Week is a very special week, heavy with pain, distress and anguish, but also full of blessings. We may even ask ourselves what is holy about it? Jesus himself, during his arrest, defined that hour as the hour of the power of darkness, saying to ones who came to arrest him:

"Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!" (Lk 22:52-53)

Evil seems to reign supreme

The Holy Week helps us to be aware of the power of  darkness and of certain times in our lives and in our society, when evil seems to reign supreme. That’s when the rights of the innocent and the poor are trampled upon; justice and fairness are ignored and despised, being substituted by oppression, exploitation and cruelty. Clever with words, people speak lies as if they are truths, presenting their evil deeds as necessary, appropriate, fair and good. The darkness is presented as light, the injustice as fairness, the oppression as freedom, and sin is seen as the right thing to be done.

During this Holy Week, remembering the passion and  death of Jesus Christ, we must realise that human beings are capable of the most evil actions.

Jesus had always acted in public. He had no hidden agenda, and he had no plans for an earthly kingdom. It never came to his mind to be a ruler like Herod or like Caesar. He was surrounded by the poor and the powerless, preaching a message of love and peace. However, all those living in darkness felt threatened by his words and his actions, and they could not rest until had him eliminated. 

Jesus remained true to himself

Jesus remained true to himself, being faithful to the end. He proclaimed love and compassion and he receive hatred and death. This week is holy, not because of the evil crime committed against the innocent Jesus, but because Jesus overcame the power of evil with his faithfulness and love. Celebrating his love, we come close to him, so that we receive the strength to accompany him to victory.