When Jesus entered Jerusalem, one could see his sorrow even amidst the cheering of the crowd. His sorrow is not for himself, not for the fact that he will die on the cross, but for the hard-heartedness of the people, because soon they will be mercilessly shouting “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

This is a portrait of us. When we partake in the Eucharistic supper, we exclaim loudly, “Holy! Holy! Holy!” But when we leave the church, and when we run into trials and temptations, does it not seem like we have forgotten all that we have exclaimed at church?

Seeing the crying women of Jerusalem, Jesus says to them, “Do not cry for my suffering, but for your sins.” Indeed, it is easier to cry for another, than to admit our own faults. It seems that, however, that is what Jesus wants us to do.

Have you realized that when Jesus cries out on the cross “Father! Please forgive them!” he is directly pleading for you and for me? From this we can see that we hold a special place in His sacred heart.