Palm Sunday

The Triumphal Entry
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.' "
They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Today the sky seemed to know of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem - it was cloudless and brilliant blue. Then, as if weeping for what was to come, it turned black and stormy, and shed numerous tears, come afternoon. Yet not for long - the sun managed to poke its face above the clouds again, albeit for a short time before night fell.

Thus starts the Holy Week, with a joy tinged with bitterness, and a push to start the ball rolling for the completion of a Great Plan that would bring hope.

It's a time to relive the immense sacrifice made for us all, and experience it anew. For me, it's a time to re-examine my life as the days lead up to the day of death and resurrection of my Lord, which also marks the day I was publicly born again.

For now, it's rejoicing time, as Jesus is publicly welcomed into Jerusalem.