REFLECTION FOR PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (19:28-40)

Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. Now when he was near Bethpage and Bethany, close by the Mount of Olives as it is called, he sent two of the disciples, telling them, “Go off to the village opposite, and as you enter it you will find a tethered colt that no one has yet ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” you are to say this, “The Master needs it”.” The messengers went off and found everything just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owner said, “Why are you untying that colt?” and they answered, “The Master needs it.”

So they took the colt to Jesus, and throwing their garments over its back they helped Jesus on to it. As he moved off, people spread their cloaks in the road, and now, as he was approaching the downward slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole group of disciples joyfully began to praise God at the top of their voices for all the miracles they had seen. They cried out:  “Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!”

Some Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Master, check your disciples,” but he answered, “I tell you, if these keep silence the stones will cry out.”

This passage recounts the journey of Jesus into Jerusalem even though he was fully aware of what was awaiting him.

Through riding on a donkey Jesus brought to fulfilment the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9:     Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!  Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!  Lo, your king comes to you;  triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey,  on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Kings are supposed to ride on horses and not donkeys. The irony here is quite consistent with the whole story of Jesus. The picture of the infant Jesus in the manger has been for many generations an eloquent sermon. It shows a king who chose to be born not in a palace but in a manger.

Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus had not made a big issue of his royal lineage. He was not always found in the company of the crème of his society. Rather He chose to identify with the lowly.

The evangelist Luke, perhaps because of his background as a Gentile, or his profession as a physician, shows more of this aspect of the life of Jesus, as seen in his parables which express the loving mercy of God.  This love of God, expressed in the love for neighbour, must be the basis of all our actions as Christians.

Fr. Kieran Danfulani (Clonfert Diocese)

Taking our Hearts to the Lord – Series of Lenten Reflections 2016