Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.  We must acclaim him so.  But to acclaim him so means to follow his way, to be and to live like him.

The disciples of Jesus and others did not fail to acclaim him as he rode along on a colt.  He was then about to get to Jerusalem.

And we keep in mind, make present again today, what they did to acclaim Jesus as Messiah and King.  In other words, we also praise God aloud with joy for the works of power he does through Jesus.  Yes, we acclaim as him as God’s great Prophet.  We acclaim him besides as the blessed King who comes in the name of the Lord.  True heir to the throne of David that he is.

Today, though, we but wave palms.  And we do not throw cloaks over a colt, nor do we spread cloaks or branches on the road.  Still and all, we are full of joy and enthusiasm as Jesus gets close to Jerusalem.

But we hope and pray that we know better.  That is to say, that we do not take Jesus for a warrior messiah who comes to destroy foreign oppressors.  But that we take him for a meek and lowly Messiah, who comes not to be served but to serve. That he is the Suffering Servant who obeys to death on a cross and gives up his body and sheds his blood to save all.

After all, those with wealth and power in the world cannot but want him nailed to the cross.  For he seeks what is just for the poor and weak.  And he decries all greed and lack of concern.  Yes, he wants all to be true brothers and sisters who care for one another and give food and drink, too, to each other.  True, to do good is to court conflict (SV.EN I:75).

Lord Jesus, give us the strength to follow you, to be and to live like you.  We will thus acclaim you truly as our Lord and Savior.  And grant that we take up the cross, not just in our struggles, but in those of the poor.  And of those who carry heavy burdens.

13 April 2025
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (C)
Lk 19, 28-40; Is 50, 4-7; Phil 2, 6-11; Lk 22, 14—23, 56