On Palm Sunday, we meditate on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This marks the beginning of the Passion Week. Jesus the prince of peace was on his journey to fulfil his mission entrusted by God the Father. Jesus begins his journey from Galilee (Lk. 9/51) and slowly proceeds to Jerusalem. On his way, He taught his disciples and exhorted those who came to him and followed him. Jesus preached the word of God and healed many. Gospel of Luke reports the progress of his journey to Jerusalem through Jericho (Lk. 13/22) and finally to the outskirts of Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives (Lk. 19/28-29).
In the Old Testament (1Mac 13/51) the entry of Jews under the leadership of Simon with Palm leaves and music is depicted. They entered the fort in triumph defeating their enemies. Usually, when the King and his army march toward the capital city after winning the war people will gather around to pay homage and greet their leader.
Jesus entry into the city of Jerusalem is marked with pomp and glory. People have heard of Jesus, His teachings and acts of healing, He has performed in and around Galilee and on His way to Jerusalem. They were eager to welcome a Messiah who will politically deliver from the clutches of Roman rule. But Jesus was not as they expected. Jesus was there to remove them from the clutches of sin. He was the prince of peace who came riding on a donkey fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. Zechariah 9:9: (reads) "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." People hoping for a redeemer welcomed Him with palm leaves and throwing cloaks in the path as an act of homage and submission. They cried out singing Psalms 118/25-26, seeking his redemption.
Of course, Jesus was on his mission to redeem the entire humanity. He travelled from Galilee to Jerusalem to offer himself as paschal lamb in the holy city of Jerusalem for the sins of the humanity to deliver them completely from the clutches of darkness and sin.
Dear brethren as we meditate the triumphal entry of Jesus to Jerusalem to offer himself as the paschal lamb- complete offering to God, think about the triumph entries we have made in our lives and mode of the offering. The Sacrament of marriage, the sacrament of holy orders, religious vows, commitment to the offices we are entrusted…responsibilities… It is time to make a journey into our lives….Let this Holy week during which we revisit the passion and sufferings of Jesus be a time to ponder about the triumphed entries we have made in our lives and our commitment towards them.
