At the Foot of the Cross

Scripture Reflection for Palm Sunday (April 17, 2011)

Scripture Readings:
Matthew 21:1-11
Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm 22
Philippians 2:6-11
Matthew 26:14-27:66

Rembrandt’s paintings are known for vibrant colors; however, his drawing of “The Three Crosses” is remarkably different. While it is sketched only in black and white, the contrast of light and darkness is striking. One’s attention would immediately be drawn to the center cross on which Jesus is crucified, then to various groups (from Pharisees to soldiers to weeping women) who are gathered at the foot of the cross. The various facial expressions and relational stances of the people toward the cross are indeed telling.

Today’s Eucharist begins with joyous procession. With palm branches in hand, we sing victorious hymns to commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Like the crowds, we too welcome and rejoice in his kingship. Similar to the disciples, we are also excited and filled with wonderful expectations. However, when we listen to the passion of Jesus Christ, the mood of the crowds as well as the disciples changes swiftly. The crowds are fickle, cheering for Jesus one day and sentencing him to death the next day. Even many of his closest friends and followers sheepishly denied their knowledge of and association with him and cowardly abandoned him because of fear.

Jesus, on the other hand, is full of courage and determination. He is resolved to faithfully carry out God’s will to the end. As a perfect obedient Son of God, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, not as a royal messianic king but as a suffering servant. Similar to the suffering servant of Deutero-Isaiah (as portrayed in our first reading from Isaiah 50), Jesus gives his back to those who strike him and his cheeks to those who pluck his beard. He does not even try to escape from the insulting spittle, but rather quietly accepts the insults and shame. How is Jesus able to endure such humiliation and affliction without complaint or retaliation? Like the suffering servant, Jesus is completely confident in God’s assistance and protection. Thus, he died on the cross chanting words of divine protection and comfort from Psalm 22.

There is one more detail in Rambrant’s painting of “The Three Crosses,” which I have not mentioned. On the edge of the painting, there is a figure of a man, who is almost hidden in the shadows but seems to stand out. Art critics say that the mysterious figure whose expression of repentance actually reveals the artist’s inner self toward the cross. During this Holy Week, as you listen to and reflect upon the passion of the Lord Jesus Christ, could you picture yourself being at the foot of the cross? And what would your impression and relational stance be as you stand beneath that cross?