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PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (YEAR A)


GOSPEL BEFORE PROCESSION (MATTHEW 21:1-11)

"THE ASS THE THE COLT"

Dear friends, today we begin the Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday of the passion of the Lord we commemorate the free and triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. He, "the Lamb of God" [John 1: 29], enters freely as he is not bound under force to do so. His free entrance is not different from the case of unblemished lambs that, according to Jewish tradition, are brought to Jerusalem on this same day for inspection and selection toward the Passover feast. As unblemished lambs are sent to Jerusalem, Jesus, "the lamb of God", also makes a journey to Jerusalem.

The journey to Jerusalem is necessary. First, as a male Jew, it is expected that Jesus participates in this celebration of the Passover [deuteronomy 16: 16]. Secondly, to effect his mission of salvation through his passion death and resurrection the journey to Jerusalem was necessary.

 In the gospel passage, the author names two animals — a tethered ass and a colt. Jesus commands his disciples to bring them. Of what importance will it be if he can sit on one at a time? The emphasis is rather on the garments (v.7). Jesus sat on the garments (ie. Them) And not the two animals at the same time.    

However, with the mention of the ass and the colt, there is something we could see. A colt is younger than an ass. If there is anything to be learnt it should be the colt learning from the ass. We are not told why the ass is tied and thus in bondage. If for anything, the colt has to learn the ordeals of being in bondage, of being in subjection. I think this is a model of discipleship. The disciples, and even us, ought to learn the way of being tied and what to do in cases of difficulty. In the end, even a tied ass is useful.

In cases of pain, of suffering, of being subjected to the cruel situations of life, in difficulties, we have to be aware of the fact that others learn from us; there is always a colt looking up to us for example. As colts, we also must be ready to be disciples.

 May we be faithful disciples of Christ, following faithfully and being conscious of the fact that whatever we do in cases of being tied and in difficulty others will imitate us.

 Pax et Bonum.


Comments

  1. AnonymousSaturday, 1 April 2023 at 16:41:00 GMT

    Thank you for this sharing this great reflection with us! God bless you

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousTuesday, 4 April 2023 at 07:13:00 GMT

    Very deep brother.As colts,we also must be ready to be disciples.😊🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏

    ReplyDelete

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