Readings and meditation on the Word of God on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025

Delivered by the Vocationist Sisters in Labuan Bajo and Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Isaiah 50: 4-7; Rs psalm 22: 8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24; Philippians 2: 6-11; Luke 19: 28-40.WELCOME The title for our meditation on this Palm Sunday or thePassion Sunday is Welcome. During the house blessing service, when at the frontdoor or gate, it was heard the following prayer said by the Pastor: "Mayin the power of God and through the benefit of this door, goodness andrighteousness be welcomed into the house while error and evil must be dispelled."That formula of prayer was said and followed by the making of the sign of blessingthen accompanied with the sprinkling of holy water on the door or gate. All thesewere witnessed directly by the family members present. In every place where we are and do activities, wenormally welcome and release something. Our hearts, minds and wills normally welcomeinformation or knowledge, but also release what should go out. Homes and citiesalso do the same, welcoming and letting go. The point is that the naturalsystem and normal understanding explain that the act of welcoming presupposesthe outgoing. In order for someone to enter, one must go out first to provide aspace for the one who enters. Our lives in this period of Lent and about to feel theexcitement of the Holy Week are colored by the act of welcoming God's gracethat flows unceasingly, to make ourselves worthy to walk in companion with theLord Jesus Christ. However, it is also so important for us to leave behind allobstacles that are within us during this time of grace. Our observance ofprayer which is more intensive, of mortification through fast and abstinence,and of doing charity to be more tangible are very effective in facilitating ourpractices of releasing and welcoming.  The gate of Jerusalem and this festive celebration ofPalm Sunday are open to us to welcome Jesus the Messiah, the King of kings, andthe Savior of the world. What must be removed first is the wrong way ofunderstanding the Christ our great King. He cannot be considered as the king orpresident that exists in the world. He is to be welcomed as the King of peace,joy, and salvation. We must also avoid to express the foolish view that says theLord should not suffer and die in the so cruel way. Instead we must welcome Himas God who sacrifices his own life for each and all of us sinners. We must welcome Him as a human being who never resistsand fights back, when His dignity is trampled on by all kinds of hostileslander and physical violence. So we need to abandon the impression that JesusChrist had to flee to avoid danger from His enemies. We should welcome Him as ahumble Lord, but will ultimately be exalted by our Father in heaven. Therefore,we need to get rid of all forms of selfishness and pride that have always beenan obstacle for us to truly follow in the footsteps of Christ.Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O Jesus the King,strengthen our faith to always acknowledge You as the true King, so that ourlives always aim at doing the Father's will. Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...