Today is an odd Sunday because we start Mass with the Gospel reading. Here Jesus is entering Jerusalem. lf we knew we would be killed by going somewhere would we still go? If we knew we would be tortured and suffer, would we still volunteer?
The first reading challenges us as to how we respond to poor treatment.
Do we turn the other cheek?
Do we offer our backs to be beaten?
Do we offer our head to have our hair plucked out?
How we respond to good things, tells us one thing about ourselves. How we respond to evil or bad things happening, tells us even more.
The second reading reminds us that Jesus, “he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death.” Do we exalt or humble ourselves? Are we obedient to God’s commands or do we find excuses for ourselves?
Countenance of God 