Messianic Entry
Today’s Readings: Luke 19: 28–40; Isaiah 50:4–7; Psalm 22:8–9, 17–18, 19–20, 23–24; Philippians 2:6–11; Luke 22:14—23:56. Today, the faithful process with palms and sing “Hosanna,” remembering the Lord’s entrance to Jerusalem, an entry that would lead to his death. Today the readings proclaim Jesus as the king (Gospel at the procession), tell of how Jesus emptied himself to come in human form (Second Reading), and recount the Passion (Gospel).
As Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem, the Romans were unaware of the meaning of the procession. The Jews, however, watched the fulfillment of the prophet Zechariah (9:9): “Behold: your king is coming to you, / a just savior is he, / Humble, and riding on a donkey, / on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Concerned, the Pharisees told Jesus to silence his followers. Knowing that all creation awaited his death and rising, Jesus replied that the stones would cry out.
The Romans dismiss Jesus, the Pharisees tried to suppress him, and the people celebrate him. How will you respond to the Lord during this holiest of weeks? Some will discount him by giving these days no importance, while others will suppress the meaning of the days. Still, some will enter into Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum through participation in the liturgy. They will celebrate the institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, venerate the cross on Good Friday, and keep vigil on Holy Saturday as they listen to the Scriptures tell of salvation history.
© 2019 Liturgy Training Publications. 800-933-1800. Written by Mary Heinrich. Scripture texts are from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago, on August 28, 2018.