Every Palm Sunday parishioners attend the Mass that marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. I can still remember the feeling of excitement as I received palm branches upon entering church as a little girl and the powerful words, “Crucify Him,” said at the Mass. I always found it interesting that we participate in the scriptures during Mass on Palm Sunday. I began to wonder about the events in the scriptures. How could Jesus be welcomed with palm branches and praise one day, and just days later be condemned to die on a cross? This curiosity led me on a mission to gain a deeper understanding of this Holy Day. When Jesus rode on the donkey into Jerusalem, He was fulfilling the prophecy of the Old Testament. The Messiah that the Jews had longed for had finally arrived. The people had an image of what their Messiah would be. They had their own expectations of Him, expectations that their King would be a great, political leader that would defeat Rome. When Jesus did not do this, they were disappointed and quickly turned on Him. They did not understand that Jesus came to defeat sin and His Kingdom lives in the hearts of people. Much like adoring fans who become easily disappointed when their team begins losing, cheers and chants for their favorite team quickly turn into disappointing criticisms and boos. During this Lenten season, let’s shift from expecting God to fulfill our will to accepting his will. When we let the Kingdom of God reign in our hearts and have faith and trust in Him as our Savior, we will not be disappointed.
Category: Lenten Prayer Reflections
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