Jesus and the Apostles all approach Jerusalem. He sent ahead two of the disciples. Go into the village, and as soon as you enter into it, you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat upon it. Loosen the colt and bring it. If anyone says to you, Why are you doing this? Tell them, The Lord has need of it and immediately he will send it here. The disciples did as instructed. The village people all asked, why did you loosen this colt? They told them what Jesus had told them to say. They let the disciples go and brought the colt to the Lord, and threw clothes on it. Jesus took sat on the colt. Many spread the clothes onto the road, and many cut branches off of trees and spread them onto the roadway. Many of the exclaiming Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
As Catholics we prepare for Easter by similar readings that I have shared with you. The Lord Jesus begins his journey by visiting the little villages of Beth phage and Bethany. He gives very precise and simple instructions. What a lot of people fail to understand is that the Holy Bible is the instructions of life. It is filled with advice, statements, stories and of course warnings of what does or will happen. All we need to do is open it. Blow the dust off of it first. Our Lord gives the instructions to go to the village, and take a colt. Some argue that is a donkey. But for the text of Scripture, lets stick to what we just read.
When we read Mark 11:1-10 we realize the scenery is close to Passover. He will soon celebrate what we know as the Last supper. It is during that time he changes bread and wine to the body and blood of Christ.
Yes, today may be Palm Sunday or as to most of us in the Church its Passion Sunday. A time when we prepare for the holy day of Good Friday. I will strip down the altar, and the lights will be turned out on that date. The blessed Sacrament will be removed and so shall some of our fixtures. It will be a time of reflection on life. You will have many thoughts as to what you have done this past year. Perhaps you didn't come to Church on Sunday, or maybe you hurt someone's feelings. This will be the time we reflect on that and ask for the forgiveness.
Forgiveness, is a great and powerful thing. Its a virtue of its own in my opinion. We must forgive in order for us to move on and grow. We must set aside hostilities and anger. We must put away the jealousy and hatred. (Mark 11:25-26) Jesus tells the criminal hanging on the cross near him and says, Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise (Luke 23:43).
After Holy Friday (Good Friday) we will then prepare for our Lord's resurrection! My favorite time of the year! A time when we can reflect and say Thanks Lord for forgiving my sins! What a joyous season because its the season to some as being born again. I like to think of the time when I lived on the farm. There was baby chicks, puppies, kittens, calves, and piglets born into the world. A time when for some of us who live in snow climates, to see snow melt away and the grass turn green. The leaves will pop out of their spring time budding. Easter is a time when we should be at Mass to say Hosanna, to the Risen Lord. I hope you will show up.
May each of you have a wonderful Holy Week.
