April 30, 2021 Lectionary: 283

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter    Acts 13:26-33,  Jn 14:1-6 The setup:   Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Portico. (the only remaining structure from the original Temple area). Jewish Leaders => “How long will you keep us in suspense?  If you are the Christ,  tell us plainly.”   Jesus says, “Yes, the Father and I are One” “The Jews”.     not the Jewish Leaders as in other translations. This got me to thinking about this Sunday, Palm Sunday. When we will all join “The Jews” and say “Crucify Him”.  Intimidating. (Bring out the Crown.) I was reminded earlier this week about this Crown of Thorns I had made many years ago for Christ Renews His Parish. Many might remember it in the adoration Chapel I’ve noticed, that not just with me, but for others, Holding it while praying, can dramatically change our perspective. I didn’t have allot of research in how to make it. Only that soaking the vines was a good idea. Bucket. The Gloves.   You can’t make this without getting cut up and bloody. While I was holding this and thinking about the emotions we go through on Palm Sunday and thru Passion Week. About “our involvement” Our responsibilities in the fate of Jesus. Our Sins, which played a role in this.  It occurred to me, that I made this “rendition” of the Crown. But that I also helped to make the original Crown. We all did.   But stay with me.  We are all, when we take up and own our own crosses, participate in the Sacraments, especially reconciliation, when we love our neighbor, we are helping to make this a Victory Crown.  * Power made perfect in Weakness.   Jesus got this at the scourging.  Jesus gets to our trials before we even know there is a Cross