Gospel: Luke 19:28-40
At that time, Jesus, accompanied by his disciples, was on his way to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount called Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them: “Go to the village ahead of you. As you enter, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you why you are untying it, say: ‘The Lord needs it.'” They went and found everything just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them: “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks on it, and helped Jesus to mount. As he went along, the people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God loudly for all the miracles they had seen, shouting: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus: “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” He replied, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Fruit:
Reflect on the humility of Jesus, preparing myself for Holy Week.
Guidelines for action:
With Palm Sunday, we begin Holy Week. In this narration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, we see how the crowd expressed their admiration without any restraint. It is a week to accompany Christ also with our gratitude and effort to become better Christians each day.
1. The Lord needs it
In this Gospel story, the disciples go in search of a colt. They really do not know why Jesus needs a donkey; He does know, but they do not question it—they simply go looking for it. Perhaps along the way, they might have asked each other: “Why does he want a donkey? Where is he going? Will we need one too…?” It is worth highlighting here the promptness of the disciples to fulfill this instruction from the Lord. They did not hesitate to do it. He asks for it, He knows why He needs it, and it’s wonderful that we can help Him. Today, Christ also invites us to follow Him and to follow the instructions we receive through our pastors. Some of His instructions may seem to clash with modern times, such as the need to defend life, strengthen the family, counteract anti-Gospel culture, etc., and this is a great opportunity for us, Christians, to be happy to contribute with Him, even if it’s just by going to fetch a donkey for the mission He entrusts to us.
2. The people spread their cloaks on the road
Imagine the scene: people see Jesus passing by, and their most spontaneous response is to lay down branches in his path. Similar to the red carpets laid out at major events for celebrities. We are at a crucial moment where the people themselves recognize in the Lord a model, a great figure who came to bring a message of peace and love. It is a response born from the hearts of simple people, and this scene should move us to perform spontaneous acts of love and devotion to God every day, especially during Holy Week. What simple acts can I do today to show my love for God, my Lord?
3. I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out
Being honest and brave, aren’t there voices today trying to silence at all costs the cheers that simple people raise to God? Look around us—what do we see? Without a doubt, today, even more reason to pray a lot so that the stones themselves praise God—yes, the stones that are those hearts hardened against grace, against conversion, against the goodness that exists in the Church, and that only seek to harm it. Knowing that there will always be such people, Christ, on that donkey, is determined to continue fulfilling His mission. This week, we will reflect particularly on that path Jesus walks, conscious and determined. Jesus, help us, make our hearts like Yours!
Purpose: I will dedicate a special moment today to ask God for the conversion of my heart.
