Today we celebrate Christ's triumphant entrance to Jerusalem which marks the beginning of the Holy Week. "Hosanna to the Son of David!" was the word the people of Jerusalem echoed to welcome Jesus in the city. They were excited to praise this mighty prophet whom they believed would be the Messiah who delivers them from sufferings and brings them to the promised land-the New Jerusalem. Little they knew the true meaning of freedom is sharing eternal life with God, instead of gaining victory over the Romans at that time, or establishing a strong kingdom on earth like in the time of David's sovereignty. They misunderstood the meaning of King, a Messiah in the light of God's covenant to Israel. Jesus, the Messiah came to serve, not to be served; to forgive, not to condemn; to die for the sins of the world, and to give his life so they may live eternally with Him in the true promised Land and home.
Jerusalem is a temporary home for both Jesus and us. To be home with us, Jesus continued his journey to Calvary, to the tomb, and finally to the resurrection on Easter Sunday. He lived out his vocation to make a new covenant with us, fulfilling the Heavenly Father's ultimate promise and dream to save and unite all humanity with God through His death and resurrection. By giving up his life on the cross for us, he has opened the gate of Heaven-the new Jerusalem for us to enter in. The new Jerusalem is where we are meant to be at last. To live and dwell with God in our eternal home.
As we enter with Jesus Christ into this Holy Week, let us continue walking humbly with him in every step towards Heaven-our true home. When he bows down cleansing our feet, let us bow down before the Lord and serve one another. When he breaks the Bread, gives thanks and passes it over, let us remember his Body that is broken for us in the Eucharist. When he goes to Calvary to be tortured, stripped naked, and crucified, let us obediently follow him, carry our cross, and together be crucified with him. Finally, when he is risen, let us rejoice that we are resurrected with the King, made worthy to be 'co-heirs of eternal life', and welcomed at the New Jerusalem.
