Passion Sunday

Passion Sunday, falling two weeks before Easter Sunday, draws our minds ever closer to the central fact of our faith. It points us to the cross and confronts us with the reality of Christ’s agony and suffering. Lent is moving towards its climax as we consider the reality of why Jesus had to suffer and die, before we can move on to think about the actual story, through Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Good Friday. Passion Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Lent, stands as a day to begin the process of considering our Lord’s suffering, and to think theologically about the cross – what it meant for Christ then, what it still means for us today. It points us towards the climactic events of Good Friday.

On the cross, Jesus demonstrates God’s love, freely shown. He died in order that we humans may be re-united with God. These two weeks of Passiontide challenge us to consider the meaning of the cross. We cannot properly celebrate Easter or contemplate the full wonder of the resurrection and promise of new life, without first coming to the cross. Without the cross, there could be no salvation. God Himself has paid the price of human sin. We must kneel before Him, recognise our need, and receive him as our Saviour. This is the season to take time to consider the enormity of God’s love for us. Then, when Easter Sunday dawns, we can rejoice with a new confidence, as we share in the wonder of God’s love for us.

Lord Jesus, it was for me that You suffered and died on the cross.

Thank you for your love for me. I commit myself to you. Be Lord of my life. Amen.

Your cross, Jesus, remains like a tree on a hill.

You show me where I am,

You take away my fear, and set me on my course again;

help me to watch for you night and day. Amen.

God of all goodness, by the hell and victory of the cross,

embolden me to come to you with my loud cries and tears,

to receive mercy and help in time of need. Amen.

(Joy Tetley)

Most merciful God,

who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ

delivered and saved the world:

grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross

we may triumph in the power of his victory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

(The Church of England)