Interestingly enough, the rubrics for the Mass of this Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion state the following: “After the narrative of the Passion, a brief homily should take place, if appropriate. A period of silence may also be observed.” 

On the one Sunday of the entire liturgical year in which we read of the passion and death of our Lord Jesus, why would the Church, in her wisdom, suggest that “a brief homily” should take place? Why would Mother Church suggest that perhaps even silence might be more appropriate than a homily? 

Perhaps it is because we should let these events of the Passion and Death, so dolorous, yet so glorious, speak for themselves. We should listen to this story, one we may have heard for many years, and simply experience it. 

On a day like Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, maybe all the words, all the explanations we can give, will just get in the way. For this Sunday, all of us should just listen to the story, as if we’re hearing it for the first time. 

Listen to this fierce human drama, all happening on the natural level. Listen to how fallen humanity’s sin, its greed, its jealousy, its hypocrisy, put to death He who is life. Listen to how the All Beautiful One is scarred, broken, bloodied, beaten, bruised for our offenses. Listen to how the Innocent One bears the weight of our guilt. 

Look for how everything in this Gospel that is taking place on the human level is also taking place at the very same time on the supernatural level. As Pilate and Herod have their day on Earth, so does Satan, from the underworld. 

Listen to this story with open, attentive, and loving ears, fully conscious and fully aware of all that is happening, and perceive it for what it is: the greatest love story ever told. He who is love and mercy, Jesus, opens His arms wide on the cross in an embrace of love for you and me, and in His suffering, we share in that victory. Listen in the silence.