Yep, one of those headlines that just looks weird. Of course I'm talking about my Wednesday night visit to Rayburn Prison and the reading of the Passion from this weekend's celebration of Palm Sunday. It was a long evening in the prison with the Palm Sunday liturgy. But it was a powerful evening, especially when the men, in unison, took those parts of the Gospel reserved for the "crowd" or the "voice".
I asked the men tonight to pray with two pieces of Scripture. One was our 2nd reading tonight, Phillipians 2: 6-11 where we read that Jesus emptied himself and humbled himself and was obedient, to the point of death. For us! This is a powerful reading; it speaks to kenotic love, kenosis, self emptying for the sake of others. Wow!
The other piece of Scripture is the 22nd psalm. We hear it every time we read of Jesus' crucifxion; at Mass and even Stations of the Cross. My God, My God why have you forsaken me. Most of us hear this and think Jesus is despairing but do we know if he prayed the entire 22nd psalm? We need to get to the end. The psalm, written, of course, by King David, goes on to praise God, to honor His will and plan. Jesus embraces the totality of that message.
Two great pieces of Scripture for reflection and prayer for Palm Sunday and the days leading up to the Triduum.
I love that the men tonight, surrounded by less than ideal environs in a state penitentiary, get it, pray it and will,on the yard and in the dorm, preach it.
And as is often the case, despite tough days and difficult weeks, all I need to do is just let this ministry surround me, and my outlook improves, my days less difficult.
I thank God for this ministry!
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