Blessing of Palms homily

"To ride on a donkey" 

Gospel: Luke 19:28-40

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI explains aptly the rationale behind Jesus entering Jerusalem, "riding on an ass" in three points:

First, Jesus fulfilled the words of Zechariah (9, 9) that says: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
    righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

But perhaps, if we would continue reflecting on Zechariah, "I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken."  This king will show the folly of power and the exultation of the lowly.

Second, continuing with Zechariah, "He will proclaim peace to the nations."
   He will be a great king who has the power to bring lasting peace to people.

And third, his reign shall have a universal significance: "His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth."

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