And the Crowds Went Wild!

We enter now into Holy Week and Jesus invites us on an intimate journey with Him. First, we celebrate His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and then, we journey with Jesus through His passion and crucifixion. The week is a difficult one marking the sorrows and sufferings of our Lord, juxtaposed to His huge welcome into Jerusalem and His resurrection. Two great joys frame deep pain and sorrow. But, as we know, our lives as Christians are always centered on the Joy, always focused on the Resurrection.

If there is anything we know, nothing is possible without God. We need Him, we call upon Him and we rely on His power to save us. Most especially now, in these trying and difficult times in our world. So many are suffering, so much is confusing, scary and isolating. Certainly, now more than ever, we are united to the sufferings of Christ. In this year's Passion Sunday readings, Matthew is clear to set the stage to let us know the full impact of Jesus' arrival into their lives: [Matthew 21:10] "And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken." The image is one of an earthquake—and rightfully so! Jesus came, humbly riding on a donkey, to a town of people who knew of his goodness and were desperate for their Savior. He came for them, he came for us and through his suffering death and resurrection, and He changed the world forever! 

May we draw closer to Jesus this Holy Week. May this closeness encourage us to be closer to ourselves. May we endeavor to seek the truth in ourselves and be brave and courageous in doing the things we need to do to change. May this closeness to Jesus draw us closer to those we love and may that love propel us to do good and be better at what do best. 

And the crowds went wild when they saw Him! Just imagine!

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