Read Online
And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked,
“Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet,
from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:10–11
The commemoration of our Lord’s Passion has begun. Today, Mass
begins with the reading of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ triumphal
entry into Jerusalem. Riding on a donkey, Jesus is greeted by a
very large crowd who “spread their cloaks on the road, while others
cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road” (Matthew
21:8). The people welcomed Him with shouts of: “Hosanna to the Son
of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna
in the highest” (Matthew 21:9).
The word “Hosanna” in Hebrew means, “Save us, we pray!” Though it
was originally a plea for deliverance, it became an expression of
praise and joy, especially as it came to be associated with the
Messiah’s arrival. The phrase “Hosanna in the highest” calls for
God, enthroned in Heaven, to bring His saving power to earth. The
crowds’ acclamation reveals both a hope for salvation and a
recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
During Passover week, Jerusalem’s population increased several
times over with pilgrims from across Israel. The atmosphere was
vibrant with religious fervor and communal celebration. Merchants
sold sacrificial animals, food, and provisions to the crowds.
Central to the festivities was the Temple where sacrifices were
offered and the Passover lambs were prepared for the sacred meal.
Roman authorities increased security, wary of potential unrest, as
the commemoration of Israel’s liberation from Egypt stirred hopes
of national deliverance. The Jewish authorities were also on high
alert, concerned that any disturbance might provoke harsh reprisals
from the Romans.
Imagine the excitement, concern, and surprise that many of the
religious and Roman leaders felt as large crowds professed their
belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Was Israel’s deliverance at hand?
This public acclaim highlighted why some saw Jesus as a threat. The
Pharisees, in particular, feared that His messianic identity might
undermine the religious authority to which they clung. Most of them
dismissed the possibility that Jesus was the Messiah they
awaited.
Jesus, however, had a very different understanding of the Passover
that year. He knew it was the time for His hour of suffering and
death, leading to His glorification. He had no interest in
political maneuvering. His sole desire was to fulfill His mission
as the Messiah by becoming the one perfect Lamb of Sacrifice whose
blood would atone for the sins of many. Jesus was determined and
confident as He rode into Jerusalem. Though He knew the suffering
that awaited Him, His gaze was fixed on His mission of saving
souls. In His sacred humanity, He overcame every temptation to fear
or anxiety, allowing peace, strength, and joy to fill His
heart.
Not only is Jesus our Savior and the one Mediator between God and
us, His human life perfectly models how we are to live. Jesus’
triumphal entry into Jerusalem especially models for us how we are
to face every difficult situation that tempts us to fear and
anxiety. His courage must become our courage, and His determination
our determination.
Reflect today on Jesus’ interior disposition during His triumphal
entry. He invites us to share in His sacrificial love, laying down
our lives selflessly for others. This is only possible if we allow
His virtues to take root in us every time we are called to imitate
His love. As we embrace our own mission, we must not allow fear or
anxiety to hinder us. Pray that the courage, peace, and steadfast
love that Jesus embodied during that first Holy Week may flourish
in your heart. Let go of fear, worry, and selfishness, and allow
Jesus’ love and strength to fill you, so that His mission may
continue through you and, with our Lord, you may lay down your life
for others.
Sacrificial Lamb of God, You entered Jerusalem as the new and
perfect Lamb of Sacrifice, whose blood would be shed for the
salvation of all who turn to You. Please open my heart, dear Lord,
to receive all You wish to bestow upon me. Fill me with the virtues
You possessed, so that my life will be united to Yours and Your
Sacrifice will become alive in me. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: Jesus on Palm Sunday
Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com —
Copyright 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This
content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use.
Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use
within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without
written permission.
Kommentare (0)
Melde dich an, um einen Kommentar zu schreiben.