Passion Palm Sunday

“Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, "Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying it?' you will answer, 'The Master has need of it.'" So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying this colt?" They answered, "The Master has need of it." So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He said in reply, "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!” -Luke 19:28-40
 
Just a few months ago, we walked with Joseph and Mary as Mary carried Jesus into the town of Bethlehem on the back of a donkey. They traveled unnoticed and unannounced, but today, Jesus, again on the back of a donkey, processes into Jerusalem, regaled by all, and proclaimed to be the King.
 
The crowd who regaled our Lord will soon fall away, leaving Him to be surrounded by the enemy. As Holy week unfolds, we can be with Him every step of the way. We can be with Him in the garden and at the pillar. Soon, we will be offered the opportunity, like Simon of Cyrene, to pick up His cross and carry it. We will be given the opportunity not to deny Him but to stand with St. John, Mary His mother, and the other Marys at the foot of the cross, unafraid of what the world may do to us. 
 
Today, we rejoice in our King and prepare ourselves to once again walk with Christ on the road to Salvation.
 
Blessed Margaret of Castello, pray for us.
 
Click on the link for the Daily Reading.
 
Jesus, I trust in you.