[We
are now at the end of our Lenten journey and we begin the observance of the
holiest week of the Church year. Though
we have been here many times before,
we are invited to make this year different than all the rest: because we have a
deeper interest in the events, because we have both a better understanding of
them, and because they pertain to us very personally and really: all of the things that Jesus did, he did for us and for our salvation! (for me and my salvation.)]
On this day when we recall the
triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem let us see it for what it was: he was
finished now eluding the crowds of Jews who were out to get him, he is no
longer in hiding: he is very much visible, marching into his city, to claim his
position as King: King of the Jews;
as Lord of all lords and Savior of all mankind.
The crowds of people who lined
his route were inspired by the Holy Spirit himself to make a magnificent
spectacle out of this entry, waving palm branches – HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID they shouted: BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD – for this is who
he truly was.
May we take from this
celebration today these three titles of Jesus to ponder during the coming days
of Holy Week:
·
JESUS
IS LORD, Jesus is Lord (not Caesar, not any governor, not any president, not any
prime minister of any year, century, or millennium), Jesus is the one and true Lord of lords;
·
JESUS
IS KING – Jesus is King of the Jews, he is king of all nations – and his kingdom will have no end – and all
– sooner or later – all the kings of the earth will one day obey him; and
lastly,
·
JESUS
IS SAVIOR. Jesus is Savior of the World – no
one else in human history was qualified to do what he did: reconcile God and
Man – because he was both God and Man at the same time, in the same Person:
everything that Jesus said and did then, HE
DID NOT DO FOR HIMSELF – but HE DID IT FOR US AND FOR OUR SALVATION!
This is why it is only right and just that we take the time,
lots of time this coming week, to think about these things, to reflect on them,
and to adore and worship the One to whom they refer:
Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Mary, Foster-son
of Joseph and Son of God! LORD, KING, SAVIOR!
HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID!