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Thought For the Week 24 March 2024

Today is Palm Sunday, when we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and we begin to contemplate the events of Holy Week.

As our hearts and minds turn towards the tide of emotion that this week brings, and we risk being overwhelmed by the noise from all quarters, (Hosanna! Hosanna! Crucify! Crucify!), I am reminded of the simplicity of the Gospel that Jesus brought to us:

“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'” (Mark 12:30-31)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-45)

In Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven has come near. He comes not to condemn us, but to save us. We are called to be people who choose love. Love for God, love for our neighbour, love for one another.

Jesus went to the cross, willingly, as an act of love. He rose again in the power of God’s love that overcomes even death. This is the love that calls us even now. Love that knows no limits, love that knows no bounds.

Like Jesus, we are called to choose love.

Rory

Categories: Thought for the week