Walking with Jesus during Holy Week: Sunday: Entering the City

On Palm Sunday we remember that Jesus reached Jerusalem and entered the city riding on a donkey accompanied by crowds waving palm branches and crying “Hosanna, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord!” As you walk the labyrinth today remember that day. Sense the anticipation, the excitement, and the presence of the crowd. Imagine a hopeful Jesus for a while.

Matthew tells of this day in chapter 21: 1 – 17.

9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" 10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."Jesus then enters the temple, casts out the money-changers and sellers of pigeons, and heals the blind and lame before retiring to Bethany for the night. A very busy day it seems. Not all are pleased however; we are told the chief priests and scribes were indignant and confronted him.

Let yourself be caught up in the commotion of the day but be cautious. Be with the crowd but also observant. Who is this Jesus? Take your palm from this plant, rough as it is, and wave.

Reflect on the impression Jesus made.