PALM SUNDAY C

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THE KING OF GLORY COMES… BUT WHY?

LK 19: 28-40

 

 

Jerusalem was not a strange place for the parade of kings. Kings of the past majestically entered the city in a display of power. David, even before he was king, entered the city amidst cheers, shouts and dances of joy from the grateful and adoring crowd. It was fitting that all kings, his descendants, would enter the city in the same way.

 

But now, we are witnessing a different kind of parade… of a different kind of King. Jesus enters the city without trappings of power. He enters surrounded, not by an army, but of simple but sincere disciples. He rides, not a robust stallion, but a young, inexperienced donkey. He is met, not by the royalty, the rich or the ruling class, but by an uncontrollable crowd of children, sick, poor, women and folks that irritated the Pharisees with their chants.

 

Kings entered the city before to claim the throne, to subdue the population, and to proclaim their authority. They demanded from the people loyalty and support. Kings provided security but the people must give up their men to the army. Kings provided food but the people must pay taxes. Kings assured peace but the people must obey every law and decree.

 

The Lord Jesus enters the city not to demand but to give. He enters the city not to make promises but to bring fulfillment. He comes not to rule on a throne but to take his place in people’s hearts. In Jerusalem, Jesus will celebrate the Supper that will forever signify his love for all people. In Jerusalem, he will willingly submit to worldly powers who will arrest, condemn, punish and kill him. Outside Jerusalem, on a cross, Jesus will embrace the most fearful experience of every person – the loneliness, shame and pain of death. In Jerusalem, in Golgotha, in Galilee and all throughout the world, Jesus will unleash the power of his love!

 

Today so many people are still waiting for the parade of Jesus, to pass by quietly and simply, in their lives. I know of sick people whose one desire is for the Lord to touch them with his healing hands. A friend who knows he is dying asks the Lord to call him home in tranquility and without pain. So many people look to the Lord to bless their plans, their families, their jobs and their livelihood.

 

This Holy Week, Jesus will enter, not the city of Jerusalem, but the patio of our hearts. Let us give him our attention and our time. Let us be willing to sacrifice a little to witness the parade of Jesus, the coming of Jesus in simplicity, humility and perfect love. I wish you all a meaningful and blessed Holy Week!

 

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