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PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD APRIL 5, 2020

Writer's picture:  Olivia M. Bannan Olivia M. Bannan


At the procession with palms - Gospel Matthew 21:1-11


When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”


REFLECTION: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.”


The cultural, religious and political hopes of the Jewish people met Jesus with enthusiasm that day. The raising of Lazarus is still fresh on their minds and the people have been awaiting the Messiah. They believe he is here with them, on a donkey on his way to the royal home of the Jewish kings. The crowds are hailing him as their new king. They are laying down their garments as a carpet for the donkey to step on and they are waving olive and palm branches from the Mount of Olives in honor and praise of their new king. “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.”


Jesus, however, in His simplicity, is on His way to His passion and death. He is going to fulfill the salvation of mankind. A few five days from now, He will be betrayed by a friend at the Mount of Olives, the hosannas will give way to shouts of "Crucify him" and He will be nailed to the cross. What a turn around!!


Is our enthusiasm for Jesus shortlived as well? Do our hearts change that readily? Do we love Jesus? Are we ready to lay ourselves down as a carpet for Jesus? Do we honor Jesus in the simplicity of our lives, bearing witness to Him in our work, concern for others, and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy?


Today begins Holy Week. May I carry my cross this week with joy and happiness, always aware that Jesus is with me at all times. May Jesus enter triumphantly into my heart come Easter. May I be surprised by joy and the beauty of the immense peace that comes with the triumph of Jesus over death.


God Bless You.

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