14 April 2019 Palm Sunday Year C:
Gospel Reading: Luke 19: 28-40
Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. Now when he was near Bethpage, close by the Mount of Olives, as it is called, he sent two of the disciples, telling them “to off to the village opposite, and as you enter it you will find a tethered colt that no one has yet ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you “why are you untying it? You are to say, “The Master needs it.” The messengers went off and found everything just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owner said, “Why are you untying that colt?” And they answered, “The Master needs it.” So, they took the colt to Jesus and throwing their garment over its back, they helped Jesus onto it. As he moved off, people spread their cloaks on the road, and now, as he was approaching the downward slope of Mount of Olives, the whole group of disciples joyfully began to praise God at the top of their voices for all the miracles they had seen. They cried out: Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.” Some Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Master, check your disciples, but he answered “I tell you, if these keep silence the stones will cry out.”
GUIDELINES TO HELP US TO MEDITATE ON THE PASSAGE SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES AND WORLD TODAY.
1 “Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.”
Can you remember a time like Jesus you entered into your Jerusalem – a radical confrontation – for example with someone in authority abusing their power; or recognising the time had come to challenge someone regarding a harmful addiction or the hour had come to face up to some uncomfortable situation. Offer a prayer of petition that you might do it humbly, gently or
2 The crowds cried “Peace in Heaven”
Who were the humble people you have known know who entered these “Jerusalem situations” intent on bringing peace. Celebrate the people you have known who have been peacemakers in personal situations for example family life /work conflicts/ world disharmony – who did not keep silent and spoke out seeking healing and reconciliation. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for those who spoke out at the “top of their voices.”
