+ We are now at the end of our Lenten observance 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 from 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! – and that us includes not only our parishes,
families and friends, but also all people everywhere – including those in
charge of administrating our secular government and agencies at this
particularly challenging time in world history.
And so, on this day when we
recall the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, let us see it for what it
was: he was now finished with 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: 1)JESUS IS LORD, Jesus
is Lord (not Caesar, not any governor, not any president, not any prime
minister) Jesus is the one and true
Lord of lords, to whom these others will stand an render accounting of their
time in office, which was allowed by him; 2) 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, 3) 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 FOR
HIMSELF – but FOR US AND FOR OUR
SALVATION!- all of us!
Therefore it is only right and just that we take the time, a
lot 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! of the world!
HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID!
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