This week begins with the festive procession with olive branches: the entire population welcomes Jesus. The children and young people sing Hosanna, praising Jesus as their King. But this week continues in the mystery of Jesus’ death and, eventually, his resurrection. We have just listened to the Passion of our Lord. We might well ask ourselves just one question today: Who am I?

Who am I, standing before my Lord? Who am I, as Jesus enters Jerusalem amid the enthusiasm of the crowd?  Am I ready to express my joy, to praise him? Or do I stand back? Who am I, before the suffering Jesus?  In the long passion narrative, we have heard of many different people: the religious leaders, the chief priests, the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, who had decided to kill Jesus, who are waiting for the chance to arrest him. Am I like one of them?

Am I Mary of Bethany, lovingly anointing the feet of Jesus, expressing my devotion through tender, loving care?  Or am I like those who condemned her gesture as wasteful, who do not understand the gesture of a heart full of love? We hear another name: Judas. For thirty pieces of silver, he betrays his Lord and Master – with a kiss.  Am I a traitor?  Am I willing to accept the forgiveness of Jesus, or do I let myself fall into despair?  Am I like Judas?  

There are other names too: James and John who fall asleep while the Lord is praying in the Garden. Have I fallen asleep?  Am I like the disciple who wants to settle everything with a sword, who lashes out in anger?  

Am I the one who follows at a distance, but runs away once exposed?  Am I one of those who desert Jesus, leaving him behind in his hour of need?  Am I like them?  

Am I Peter, claiming at one moment that I am willing to lay down my life for Jesus, and later denying that I even know him?  Am I like Peter?

See Jesus now dragged before the Sanhedrin. Am I like those people in power who hastily summon a tribunal, who seek false witnesses?  When I do these things, when I collude in the persecution of others, do I convince myself that I am doing so to save the nation, to protect the people, for national security?  Am I like them?

Jesus is now taken before the civil authority – the only one that can administer the death penalty.  Am I like Pilate? When I see that the situation is difficult, do I wash my hands and dodge my responsibility: allowing people to be condemned – or condemning them myself?  Do I and deny Jesus his dignity?

Am I like the crowd which chooses Barabbas, the thief and murderer, over Jesus, who came preaching the way of peace?  Do I hide behind the will of the mob, shouting “crucify Him”, and deny my own participation in the humiliation and suffering of Jesus?  Am I like the crowd?  

Am I like the soldiers who strike the Lord, spit on him, insult him, who find entertainment in humiliating him?  Have I taken pleasure in the shame and humiliation of others?  Am I like the soldiers?  Am I like those who walked by the cross and mocked Jesus: "He was so powerful! Let him come down from the cross, and we will believe in him!" Am I a mocker?

Am I like Simon of Cyrene, who was returning from work, who was weary, yet was good enough to help the Lord carry his cross?  Am I like Simon?

Am I like those fearless women, and like Mary the mother of Jesus, who were there at the foot of the Cross, who did not run away, and who suffered in silence?

Am I like Joseph of Arimathaea, the hidden disciple, who lovingly carries the body of Jesus to give it burial?  Am I like Mary Magdalene and Salome, who lovingly anointed Jesus’ body for burial, who remained at the Tomb, weeping and praying?

Where is my heart? Which of these persons am I like? May this question remain with us throughout this Holy Week.