The 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!’” vs. 9
Matthew 21:1-11
Everyone loves a parade, and the crowd of pilgrims from Galilee who had gotten to know Jesus on the journey to Jerusalem for the Passover were no exception. When they moved down the steep slope from the Mount of Olives, through the Kidron Valley, they were more than willing to throw the first century equivalent of a ticker tape parade. Waving palm branches and shouting praises, they were celebrating the arrival of the new king. Of course, everyone would have recognized the symbolism of the donkey–this would be a humble, servant king, and that was the problem. While people say that they’d love it if their rulers were humble, in reality we’ve come to prefer alpha leaders, men and women who lord it over us and tell us what to do. Most folks admire toughness and not humility, and servants are expected to obey and stay out of sight. But Jesus came riding on a donkey and called his followers to be a kingdom of servants, and oh how the world is blessed when we actually behave in accordance with our calling. No matter what our gift or position, whether we’re bishops or acolytes, we are called to first of all look for ways to serve the Body and the world.
Thought for the Day: How do I choose where I serve?
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