The Gospels tell us about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. This is Mark’s Version:
When they were approaching Jerusalem at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it to me. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back there immediately” They went and found a colt tied, near a door outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them. “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said and they allowed them to take it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11: 1-11
Meditation on the Text:
You could say that the text we just read is about a parade. We all enjoy watching a parade celebrating something special – maybe St. Patrick’s Day comes to mind – with large floats, headline banners, music and dance, pipe bands from all over the world; the streets become a movable feast all celebrating something special. Parades go out of their way to engage us and are always special.
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus’ parade and entrance to Jerusalem, where He has an appointment with death. But He faces the appointment with style. How does He do this? The Scripture we just read answers that question – try to imagine the scene: Jesus asks His disciples to go out and bring back a colt…He has more than likely made an arrangement with the owner of the colt already…anyhow the disciples do as He asks…when they bring it back, see them covering its back with some of their cloths to make a make shift saddle…as they lay their cloaks on the ground to welcome Jesus…as the parade begins, the disciples are “on a high”, rejoicing and praising all that Jesus has accomplished…but there will always be a negative dimension!…this time it comes from the Pharisees…they look on as outsiders…What about Jesus?…it must have been a challenge for Him to enter into the celebration…yet He does so, whilst fully aware of the horrendous torture crucifixion and death that lies ahead of Him…
Reflection Points:
- how do you respond?
- are you an onlooker or a participant?
- how do you show your care and thanks for the life of Jesus?
- when you feel abandoned, how do you respond
Invitation: to pray and reflect.
B. O’S.