Have you ever felt the need to prove something to the world? That you had to save yourself, alone, without help, and without showing weakness?
On the cross, Jesus teaches us something radically different. In his Palm Sunday homily, Pope Francis makes it clear: on Calvary, two ways of viewing life come into conflict. On one side, the world’s refrain: “Save yourself”—an individualistic mindset that pushes us to survive without looking to others. On the other, we find Jesus, who neither defends himself, nor justifies himself, nor seeks to be saved… but offers himself entirely.
In the midst of suffering, Jesus utters words that change everything: “Father, forgive them.” No blame. No resentment. Only radical love.
The Pope invites us to contemplate Jesus on the cross. To look at Him as we would look at the one who loves us most. To let ourselves be seen by Him. Because, as Francis says, we have never received kinder words, a more compassionate gaze, or a more loving embrace.
When the world shouts, “save yourself”, Jesus whispers: “I forgive you, I love you, I am with you.”
And that whisper changes everything.
Read the words of the Holy Father here.