Jesus' Entry Into Jerusalem

Beads of Joy 03-28-10

Jesus' Entry Into Jerusalem
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Lent 2010 - Day 40
Hello Everyone,

Happy Palm Sunday ! It's funny not many people say that today, though some of my facebook friends have. I am impressed, thanks. Today is a most joyous day for us to celebrate. Today the Passion Narrative actually begins, and it begins a way that kinda makes you wonder, we start out with praise and love, all for Jesus; and not that much later this is followed by a crucifixion and hatred. Today Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, and He is welcomed with open arms, cloaks and palm are laid out on the ground for Jesus as He arrived on a colt (a colt is a sign of peace). Today's scripture can be found in Luke 19:28-40 (Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem). So much joy for us to celebrate and share together. Today we can spend some time in our reflection wondering: Do we really welcome Jesus into our hearts, our lives, our homes, our conversations, our thoughts, our motives? Do we really embrace Him into our lives? Or do we like those we read about in scripture turn on Jesus if what He says isn't what we want to hear? There are many questions in this paragraph. Let's take it nice and slow and even reread the scripture. He is our Teacher, and our Master. Let us embrace Him, His Word and what love He has given to us; we who are so unworthy of His love.

Jesus came into the world to die for us. It was the plan from the start, God knew it and so did Jesus. And we see by the words Mary spoke to Jesus at the Wedding at Cana that she knew there was a special plan for her Son. How can a body of people embrace and love someone so much; and then shortly after that turn against them? Jesus showed us true humility as He arrived in Jerusalem. Let us live our lives in such a way that we are humble, before God and before others. Here's a glance of the coming Passion our Lord shall endure.

The Passion Narrative (Luke 22:14-23:56)
Luke 22:14-23 (The Institution of the Lord's Supper)
Luke 22:24-30 (The Dispute About Greatness)
Luke 22:31-34 (Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial)
Luke 22:35-38 (Purse, Bag, and Sword)
Luke 22:39-46 (Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives)
Luke 22:47-53 (The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus)
Luke 22:54-62 (Peter Denies Jesus)
Luke 22:63-71 (Jesus before the Council)
Luke 23:1-5 (Jesus before Pilate)
Luke 23:6-12 (Jesus before Herod)
Luke 23:13-25 (Jesus Sentenced to Death)
Luke 23:26-43 (The Crucifixion of Jesus)
Luke 23:44-49 (The Death of Jesus)
Luke 23:50-56 (The Burial of Jesus)

Let us offer up this day to those who are rejected, and even more so those who were initially loved and then rejected. We can kind of see how some children who are killed in abortion can even be seen in this way. I know of some people who just abort their children because they didn't want more kids, unfortunate even those in my extended family. I am so ashamed of their selfish actions. They are married and in love, and it was through love that this wonderful child has been created, but in the end the child was betrayed and killed. Just as our Lord has been. Jesus shares with us how important it is that we, like Him forgive those who betray the innocent. It's not going to be easy by no means. I will be the first to admit it and say I will not go without stamping my feet and screaming. But through the grace of God I will forgive them. We need to pray for the betrayers of the innocent. We have been placed in their lives to pray for them.

Prayer of Forgiveness
Dear Lord, today I ask you to open my heart to learn from you, how to be more like you, in forgiving not only those who betrayed and killed you; but to forgive all those who betray the innocence of an unborn child and kill them. You know me better than I do, it's not going to be easy for me. Please help guide me even closer to you, as you give me the strength and grace to open my heart and love for everyone you have died for. For you didn't come to save only the righteous, but sinners, and all of us are sinners. Thank you Jesus for always making everything in my life be what you want it to be. I desire nothing if it is not of you. My life is perfect, even in its imperfections, because I embrace only you. Your will is mine, nothing else matters. Thank You Lord, Glory and Honor and Praise to You Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Challenge: Make crosses with the palm. LOL, that can be a challenge for many of us. I have good moments and I have moments no matter what I do, they fall apart. Have Fun.

Holy week begins...

Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO