Good Morning ladies in Christ:
Greetings in the name of Lord, Jesus Christ. Yesterday, Angela Evangelista introduced me, and I just want to introduce myself :
My name is Rossane Mohammed, a devoted Catholic who loves the Lord dearly and has a deep yearning to know more about the rich culture of our faith, and to grow closer to our Lord. So, grab your bible, put aside your worries, and let us put ourselves in the presence of the Lord for:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1
So grab your Bible and let us begin this most Holy Week together.
As we begin Holy Week, let us go up with Jesus to Jerusalem and walk with Him in His Passion through our participation every day of the Holy Week, not just those of the Easter Triduum. it is my honor to walk with you all , every day of the Holy Week, with scriptures, as we follow, our Lord, Jesus Christ, during the most Holy Week of our Lord and King. to commemorate and remember the last week of Jesus’ life on this earth, the days leading up to the great Easter Feast.
The Lenten season of sacrifice and self-denial is about to come to an end, but The greatest focus of the week is the Passion (suffering) , death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ which is the very core of our Catholic Faith, and the events that led up to it.
Today is Palm Sunday, and our Gospel reading is from LK 19:28-40.
Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem.
The triumphal entry is rich with Jewish heritage and messianic expectation.
- Why does Jesus choose to enter Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives?
a. It was from the Mount of Olives that the Glory of the Lord left Israel. See Ezek. 11:23. It was here that the Glory of God is going to return.
b.Also Mount of Olives is the largest Jewish cemetery and is over 3000 years old, and is very treasured by the Jewish people.
c. Zech 14:3-4 that the feet of Jesus will once again trod that same place when He returns. - Luke’s focus on the colt being untied—five times! Why all the focus on untying?!
a. Gen 49.10–11, this is the sign of the Coming One who is the true ruler of Judah, to whom the nations of the world will submit, and he is the one who ties and unties the donkey. Jesus is fulfilling scripture that was written by Moses 1300B.C.
b. The colt hasn’t been ridden on before, as that is required for the king’s mount.
c. Jesus rode to Jerusalem on a donkey, intentionally fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. A king riding a donkey is a sign the king comes in peace
These events do not mark the crowning of the king, but the recognition of the king who has already won his victory.
He comes in the manner of a king;
a. Ps 118 was sung by pilgrims as they approached Jerusalem during their feasts days.
It was associated with the coming of the king to Jerusalem, and the symbolic action of throwing cloaks on the road is associated with welcoming the conquering king, as Jehu is welcomed in 2 Kings 9.13. This is what the Jews did in Lk 19:36. They were all hoping that he was the long awaited Messiah and King who would rescued them from the cruel Romans, and established His kingdom on earth.
b. And the crowd of his disciples hail Him as the king.LK 19:38.
saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
But what kind of king is Jesus? And what does his kingdom look like?
His journey to Jerusalem is not a journey to power and glory, but is a journey in obedience to death. He does not come riding on a golden chariots and brings a large army, but comes as a King of peace, praise and glory. Jesus does not come to conquer the Romans or the city; he comes to be conquered, and His profound victory is that God’s children are no longer separated from their Father as His death expiates us from our sins, removes the wrath of God, (that we so justly deserves) and reconciles us to our Heavenly Father. His glory is the cross!
Jesus is a different kind of King”
And this presents each of us with a challenge.
Will we stand with the disciples on this Palm Sunday and joyfully wave our palms, and welcome this King of peace, praise and power and show the world that He is the King of Heaven and earth?
or
When we wave our Palms today,saying,
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord, peace in heaven and glory in the highest! We will keep Him hidden or forgotten, and continue like the Jews to live in fear or terror of the Romans, or of our Oppressors, or of our daily troubles or woes?
2022 Palm Sunday, our world is in moral decay, and many world leaders are corrupt and ungodly. Countries are fighting with each other as Ukraine is invaded, and innocent people are being killed. People worldwide are afraid of a WW3, and people are losing hope. We, Catholics serve a mighty God of peace, power and praise. Let us share Him with the rest of the world, and let everyone know this Palm Sunday and everyday,
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord, peace in heaven and glory in the highest!