Reflection by Fr. Vincent Nguyen

Jesus entered into the holy city of Jerusalem for the last time. He knew His Hour had to come. He told His disciples about His upcoming suffering and death. But they were busy discussing who among them was the greatest and who would sit next to Jesus in the Kingdom.

He looked at his closest friends and he knew what they were about to do. Peter the Rock would run away and deny Him. Judas would sell Him at the price of a slave. The rest would run as far as possible. Only John would be brave enough to stand at the foot of the Cross. His Mother would have to suffer indescribably seeing her Son being nailed on the cross. He saw the scourges, the thorns, the nails, and the cross.

Jesus entered into Jerusalem on the back of a colt - the same way King David got into the holy city. People gave Him royal greetings. Cloaks and leafy branches were spread on the road. They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” The same crowd later would shout loudly: “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” They would ask for Barabbas the murderer to be released but the Son of God they would kill.

The Hour had come. His Father’s will had to be done. For this hour He has been sent into the world. The Son of Man had to be lifted up so that He would draw everyone to Himself. He foresaw and accepted everything.