LENTEN REFLECTION: Entry of the Humbled King

Today's Readings:
At the Procession with Palms: Lk 19:28-40  First Reading: Is 50: 4-7 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Second Reading: Phil 2:6-11 Gospel: Lk 22:14-23:56 or Lk 23:1-49
 

Reflection:

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Jesus Christ, perceived as the King of Kings and Savior of the World, finally entered the walls of Jerusalem. But the irony is, Jesus, the King of Kings and Prince of Peace entered the city on a lowly donkey and was greeted by dried palms instead of riding a gallant horse and a colorful set of flowers. He humbly entered the city where He will experience the lowest as well as the highest point of His life.

This part of the Holy Week is a reminder of how blessed and loved we are by God. How lucky are we that the God who is almighty and all powerful decided to humble Himself to us to save us? How blessed are we that the God who loved us so much decided to be fully human for us to know and get closer to Him? In Jesus’ humility, not only are we loved but ultimately, we are saved.

From another perspective, whenever we go to a new place and learn that we have a friend there, we feel secure right away. We have this idea that, “May kilala ako dyan eh, siya na ang bahala sa akin!” ["I know someone from there, he/she will take care of me."] On the level of faith and salvation, Jesus who is the Son of God is truly one of us to save us and there is nothing more consoling than the joy of having a God so near, constantly reminding us, “Ako ang bahala sa’yo”. ["I will take care of you"].

So as we start our Holy Week and as Easter is drawing near, we are called to feel secure and assured because Jesus has already accomplished our salvation.  We are loved. The invitation for us is to trust,  rejoice and receive Jesus, who indeed has entered our lives and is always with us.

---

Kenny Lee B. Ranches is Campus Minister for Grade 11 at the Ateneo de Manila High School.