Palm Sunday

My dear friends in Christ,

Today we celebrate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and we begin Holy Week in which we commemorate the last hours of Christ’s life on earth and His glorious Resurrection. This passion account from Matthew reminds us how important it is that we keep this week holy in honor of our Savior who gave His life for our sakes. On Good Friday we will hear the same passion story as recorded by John. These events may have happened two thousand years ago, but in a certain sense they are present to us here and now. That is why we read and participate in these two passion accounts. On the Palm Sunday account, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey. It was a deliberate choice, He was deciding to do what had to be done; He was choosing to fulfill His purpose here on earth. Jesus enters Jerusalem as a Messiah, but not the Messiah that was expected. Every word of the Scriptures is fulfilled but His entry is not heralded by armies of angels or soldiers or dignitaries and guards. Those who welcome Him to the Holy City are not rulers or priests. No, He comes as simply as He could. His followers are fisherman and other simple workers and He is greeted not by civic and religious authorities but by the common folk waving palms. He comes not to rule but to serve; He comes not for glory but for salvation. Let us rejoice and praise God that He has given us so great a Redeemer!

May this Holy Week be blessed for the whole world!

May God bless you all,

Father John