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Vocation Meditation -
Passion Sunday, 2010
Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had came near Bethphage, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'"
So those who were sent departed and found it as Jesus had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them," Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it."
Then they brought the colt to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road.
As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully, and with a loud voice, for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven." Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him. "Teacher, order your disciples to stop."
Jesus answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."
Now, that the time is right for Jesus to carry out the Father's salvific plan to the full, He is the Messiah, indeed. This dramatic entry to Jerusalem is unmistakably one of Jesus' revelations of His claim as the Messiah, God's anointed King among His people. This episode speaks volumes of His purpose.
It was well set according to plan. There was no rush, no impulsive action. Jesus had arranged details with the owner of the colt. The password He used: "The Lord needs it."
It was undeniably an act of glorious defiance and courage. His enemies were plotting ways to capture Him. Their accusations are closing in to the final trap they have laid for Him. This breathtaking moment of Jesus, with a price on his head and riding on a colt, made him an easy target. Every eye was fixed upon Him in this glorious moment. This is indeed, Jesus' show of sheer courage!
It was His intentional claim to be King. Riding on a colt in Jerusalem is considered a noble ride of one who comes in peace. Jesus comes to His people as a King of love and peace, not as a conquering military hero whom the clamorous crowd expected and for which they waited.
It was unstoppable. The people acknowledged Him as 'king who comes in the name of the Lord'. Jesus welcomed this praise and acknowledged it. There was no need denying it. The whole multitude of disciples proclaimed Him in the open. Indeed, God's power in Jesus cannot be hidden. Had they been silenced, even the 'stones would shout out'!
Vocation Challenge:
"The Lord needs it."
Do I feel this urgency in my life?
Dear God,
Jesus entered Jerusalem as King and Messiah yet humble, riding on a colt. Let me recognize your power in the humbling experiences of my daily life. Every time I respond to Your love with courage and determination, I shout out my faith and hope in You. Like the colt He needed for His entry to Jerusalem, call me, use me! Let my vocation be a courageous ride with Him, that I too, may proclaim Him to others as King and Saviour. Amen.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.