Messianic Entry

This week's reflection comes to us from Clare Heinrich. Clare is a senior here at the Mount studying Outdoor Conservation, English, and Music Performance.

Soon, we will be at the threshold of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church Year. It is a time when we, loaded with sorrow, remember and observe the Passion of Christ. The events of Holy Week bring us to the foot of the cross to listen to the last words of Jesus. I have always loved reading the scriptures depicting Jesus’ last days in Jerusalem. Let us look at the Messianic Entry. The word Messianic comes from Messiah, which means, “anointed one”. For hundreds of years, the prophets have prepared the people for the coming of the Messiah.

You may want to light a candle and read Luke 19:29-38

Jesus loved the city of Jerusalem and came to Jerusalem many times. Today, we read about the last time he came to Jerusalem. Many Jews were gathered there to celebrate the Passover. The people celebrated Jesus as he came forward on a colt. They had seen his power and miracles and had heard him preach. Now, they laid their coats down on the ground and treated him like a king. Conquering rulers would often ride through town on a white stallion, signaling to the people that the man on the white horse was the new ruler. In the Old Testament, the prophets foretold that the Messiah would ride in on a beast of burden. Jesus’ riding on a colt would have been a strong sign for the Jewish crowds that he was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

The people cried out, “Hosanna!” Where else do we hear those words? We hear them at Mass. We proclaim them every week, acknowledging Jesus as our King. My mother says this proclamation is like a mini-Palm Sunday at every Mass. God has revealed himself to us throughout Salvation History. The Son of God became a man and entered Jerusalem on a colt. He came to us then and still does today in the form of Bread, which is his Body.

By his birth, Jesus became one of us in order to show us how to live. He was raised from the dead because he was first willing to suffer and die. Let us take comfort this Holy Week in recalling that Jesus kept the company of the poor, the sick, and the broken. In our own poverty of spirit, despite our own illnesses and pain, our Lord shows us how to live. We are bruised and weakened. May we walk with our dear Lord as we enter Holy Week and reflect on his sacrifice for us. Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!

As you prepare for Holy Week, choose one of the reflections to help center your mind and heart on entering into these sacred days.

·         Spend time with the words of the prophets. Select a verse and ponder what this reveals to you about the Messiah?

Zechariah 9:9

Isaiah 9:1

Isaiah 9:6

Micah 5:2

·         We hear many titles or names of Jesus during Holy Week. Today we lifted up Messiah, but we also will hear other names, such as: Son of Man, Rabbi, Christ, Son of the Blessed One, Nazarene, King of the Jews, Son of God, Master, Lord. Is there a name or title you use most often when you pray? Choose one from this list that is not a habit for your prayer life and use that in prayer this week.

·         Is there a verse or a “moment” of the Passion story that you most identify with? Journal about that verse and why it struck your heart.