👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽#Hosanna – The Feast of the King of Glory (Eighth Week of Lent)
Part 3
Beloved in Christ, Let us lift up our hearts as we contemplate the majesty and mystery of the Feast of Hosanna, not in passing emotion, but with the soberness of soul that befits the children of the Kingdom. For on this day, we are called to examine our hearts, our temple, our priesthood, and our fidelity to the Lord of glory who came not only riding humbly on a colt, but also with divine power to cleanse, to free, and to reign eternally.
1. Are We Ready for the Lord to Dwell With Us?
O what a solemn question! “If we were to come to you today,” says the Lord, “would we find in you a good behavior that would make us stay?” On the day of Hosanna, when the children shouted praise and the multitudes gathered in joy, our Lord approached not only the city of Jerusalem but also the inner Jerusalem of every heart.
The donkey knew its deliverer. The colt did not resist its liberation. But what of us? Have we become more stubborn than beasts, more enslaved to our chains than the animals bound in the streets of ancient Jerusalem? Do we reject the hands of the disciples sent to untie us from sin, from pride, from lust, from greed?
Let us be freed, beloved. Let us not only walk with the King of Glory but carry Him, serve Him, obey Him. Let us be as the donkey who, though despised before, gained honor by being the bearer of the Lord.
2. True Humility – The Garment Fit for a King
On this day, let us not rend our garments but rend our hearts. The people of Jerusalem laid down their cloaks, but greater still is he who lays down his pride. Let us strip ourselves of malice, of hypocrisy, of bitterness, and let us clothe ourselves in meekness, in purity, and in holy zeal.
Let us humble ourselves—not just outwardly, but inwardly before our Lord and before His holy ones, the saints. The donkeys submitted to the disciples. Will we not submit to our true shepherds, the faithful priests and fathers who labor for our souls?
3. The Holy Liturgy of the Day – A Heavenly Procession
We are reminded through the ancient hymn of the Sabbath Fast: “We have come to the Passover, to the righteousness of God, the Mount of Olives, the city of God...” Yes, the children, the elders, the humble and joyful throngs welcomed Him who is the High Priest of the good things to come. Not with the blood of goats and bulls, but with His own precious blood, Christ entered the Holy of Holies.
Saint Paul, that chosen vessel, teaches us: “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and He shall appear a second time, without sin, to those who wait for Him.” (Hebrews 9:11–28). Are we waiting? Or have we fallen asleep with the world?
4. Suffering – The Road to Glory
The Apostle Peter exhorts us, “Since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise.” (1 Peter 4:1–12) O what a great dignity is ours, that we are counted worthy to share in His sufferings! Let not trials disturb you. Let not persecutions shake you. For he who suffers with Christ shall also reign with Him.
5. Preaching the Kingdom Boldly – A Mark of Apostolic Faith
From the Acts of the Apostles, we behold the holy Paul, shipwrecked and yet unwavering, continuing to preach with boldness. And we too, though storms of life may toss us, though enemies rage and scribes murmur, must preach the Gospel of Christ with courage, unmoved by the opinions of the world.
6. The Praise of the Innocent – A Weapon Against Darkness
Psalm 8 declares: “Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have ordained praise... to destroy the enemy and the avenger.” And indeed, on the day of Hosanna, it was the little ones who led the chorus of praise. The chief priests were enraged. The scribes were jealous. But the Lord was pleased.
Continues 👇🏽