The readings appointed to be read this weekend come from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians and John’s Gospel. In Paul’s letter he exhorts us to “Rejoice in the Lord” and then exhorts his readers: “Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions” that are full of gratitude because “God’s own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over” your hearts and minds. What a truly wonderful sentiment as we enter into the Great and Holy Week.

The week that we now enter is a week unlike any others in the year. We are called again to relive with Jesus His death and glorious resurrection. What is very obvious in Paul’s words, I think, is that if we turn our attention to being with the Lord the result will be peace and joy.

The Gospel we hear this weekend begins with Jesus going to the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, the friend He raised from the dead. The story recounts these things: Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with oil, in preparation for His burial; Judas pretends to be concerned about the poor; a crowd comes to see the risen Lazarus; and the chief priests plan to kill Jesus because too many people seem to be following Him, especially because He raised Lazarus from the dead.

After recounting these things, the Gospel story immediately turns to Jesus’ Entrance into Jerusalem. It is in the midst of all this love and hate that Jesus boldly goes into the city to confront His future. He had been warned about the opposition of the chief priests and He had a premonition of what might happen. He had been very   outspoken about the hypocrisy of those who were the leaders of the religion of the people and it was   obvious that they were upset because people were following Him. Even the disciples are described as thinking that the chief priests would attempt to quiet Jesus. This does not deter Jesus and He enters Jerusalem as a humble man with joy and peace in His heart.

What is very important in both of these readings is that it is only when humans voluntarily approach life with peace and joy in their hearts can they come to a true understanding of life. We will always be confronted with love and hate. It is all a matter of how we respond to the actions of others. We must remember that others do not control how we respond to their actions. We, and only we, control how we respond to the events of life. Let us attempt to imitate Christ.