Lent – Hosanna in the Highest
Lent – Hosanna in the Highest

Lent – Hosanna in the Highest

March 29 – Hosanna in the Highest

Mark 11:1-10

(Opening Gospel with Palms) And when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Beth′phage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat; untie it and bring it. If any one says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door out in the open street; and they untied it. And those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said; and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and threw their garments on it; and he sat upon it. And many spread their garments on the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!”

Jesus disciples didn’t know if Jesus was going to come into Jerusalem for the Passover because of the plot against Him, but Jesus was called to complete His Passion and now was the time. Jesus commands two of His disciples to get a colt and bring it back to Him. They did as they were commanded and all when according to His word. Sometimes the Lord will call us to do something out of the ordinary. It may feel strange, seem like it won’t work out, and it may be out of our comfort zone. Some people may even question why we are doing the work we were called to do. If it truly the will of the Lord, then it will go unbelievably smooth, just as it did for these disciples.

This reading also celebrates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The scene is so wonderful, beautiful and prophetic it was written into all four Gospels, each one giving their own point of view, yet all celebrating Jesus’ entry into the city (John 12:12-19, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:29-46).

The people heard from all over that Jesus was making His way to Jerusalem, and many more than usual arrived to watch Him entering the city. Jesus enters into Jerusalem like a king, on an animal never ridden by anyone else. His colt didn’t walk on the dusty ground, rather the palm branches and cloaks they laid down. The people even laid down and waved palm branches, crying out, “Hosanna!”  Unfortunately, the people only saw Jesus for who they saw with their eyes and not their hearts. They still believed He would be an earthly king who would deliver them from their enemies, not an eternal king who would deliver them from evil and sin. We know this by how quickly they turned on Him when He was presented by Pilate.

When things are going well for us, or when we witness a miracle, we are quick to celebrate and praise God for the work that He has done. This is right and just. He is the Lord and He rightly deserves all of our thankfulness, love and praise. We are also quick to forget all the good things that Jesus has done, and do not always give Him the praise that He deserves during difficult times. This is why it is so important to remember our Lord every week in the Mass. We can recall the blessings of the week and sing, “Glory to God in the Highest!” Celebrate Jesus’ entry into your heart, and sing with joy, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!”

Lent in Action:

Recall a recent event in your life where you praised Jesus for a blessing. Thank Him again for that blessing and praise His name.

Pray:

Glory to God in the Highest! You are my King of kings, Lord of lords and I love you with all my heart and soul. Please always stay close to my heart and bring me joy in all things. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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