The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem Luke 19:28-44
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
It is several years now since Jesus rode into Jerusalem in triumph. We did not understand what was happening at the time, it seemed so out of character. Jesus usually avoided any public accolade. And of course, the usual complaints came from the synagogue elders.
As I remember it, when Jesus came near the Mount of Olives, he asked me to go into Bethany where he said we would find a young colt tied to a post outside a small house. I and my companion were to untie the restless creature and bring it to him on the hillside. We found everything exactly as Jesus had described it. We approached the house and began to untie the young animal. “Hi! What do you think you’re doing?’ yelled a man as he ran out of the house to confront us. ‘The Master has need of it.’ we said, and to our surprise, he calmed down and said, ‘Oh, that’s OK. Don’t forget to bring this donkey back when Jesus has finished with him.’
The donkey was not all that keen for us to take it away, but we managed to take it back to Jesus who was waiting for us on the hillside. There was a growing sense of excitement as we reached the disciples. Someone threw a cloak on the colt’s back, and Jesus was helped to get onto the back of the colt which had never experienced this before and was quite agitated. Amid the laughter and the cheering, people began breaking off palm branches and throwing them on the road. What with the waving of palms and the swishing of cloaks, you could hardly say it was a peaceful scene. The colt was frightened by the movement and noise, and Jesus had some trouble keeping his seat. As Jesus and the crowd moved down the hill, people began shouting, ‘Hosanna to the King! Long live the King! Glory to God in the highest!’ Of course, the Pharisees were outraged, and told Jesus to stop the people’s chanting. But Jesus said, ‘Even if these stop, the very stones will echo their chorus.’
Looking back over these last few years, I think I understand a little better what Jesus was aiming at here. We have lived through the death and resurrection of Jesus and can now see the value that Jesus places on simplicity rather than riches, sincerity rather than outward show, connectedness rather than hierarchy.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Looking back over my day can help me to see where God has been working in my life. Do I value the daily Examen prayer?
· Am I ready to lend my things to other people who may need them more than I do?
· Do I attend Rallies or public gatherings for issues such as climate change, Refugees, Human Rights?
Prayer
Lord, help me to take some quiet time each day to reflect where you have been working in my life. May I be grateful for the many gifts you bestow on me each day. Amen.