Throughout the Gospel of Luke, the power of evil is lurking and the heavenly hosts stand ready to go into battle, beginning with the appearance of an army of angels to the shepherds at the birth of Christ. Evil tempts Jesus in the desert. Throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus drives out demons. However, the ultimate battle takes place during the Passion of Jesus that we enter into this Holy Week. Evil’s tenacious presence is manifested in Jesus’ agony in the garden, in the betrayal of Judas, in the weakness of the Apostles, in the hostility of the crowds and the leaders of Israel, in Herod and Pilate, and in Peter’s denial. Luke’s Gospel reminds us that the power of evil is never to be underestimated. And yet, through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, the power of darkness is dispelled.
Our liturgy today leaves us feeling uncomfortable. There is an element of joy and triumph represented by the opening procession and palm waving and the upbeat hymns that characterize this Sunday. However the chant of the mass is Lenten and the Passion Reading during mass alerts us to the fact that this ‘festive’ day masks dark intentions among Jesus’ detractors. We are left today feeling unnerved and rightly so. This next week will be a roller-coaster ride of emotions and our feelings today missed as they are will each find due expression in the Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Holy Sabbath.
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