Christ became obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. – Philippians 2: 8 – 9
Reflection
“Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!”
This is the cry of the people who hailed Jesus as King, which we echo today in the Church throughout the world, on this great Feast of Palm Sunday.
Today as Christians, we make a bold, unashamed proclamation through our rejoicing and processions, with the waving of our palms and branches, that Jesus Christ is the One Who has come in the Name of the Lord.
We sing Hosanna to the King, in joyful chants of praise as the celebration of our Masses and services begin.
We do this, because we acknowledge that Christ alone is worthy of praise – for He alone paid the dire price of our salvation.
Indeed, after the very first reading where we encounter Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem riding on a colt, through subsequent readings, we quickly recall the reality of His passion and death.
In the book of Isaiah, we hear the prophecy about Jesus’ passion, and how He submitted Himself so humbly by setting His face like flint, ready to fulfil His mission to the end.
It reminds me of how Jesus when interrogated by Pilate and asked if He was a king, responded, “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world” – John 18: 37.
Jesus wasn’t answering Pilate’s question about His kingship, but was making direct reference to the passion that He was undergoing and the death that He would undergo.
It was because of Christ’s humility throughout His life and even to the point of death that He was able to win souls to the Kingdom of His Father.
This is the reason why we celebrate and call Jesus Christ our King.
As St Paul says, God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” – Philippians 2: 10 – 11
This is indeed great reason to shout and rejoice – Alleluia! Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!
Looking back into the time of Christ, it is interesting to read that as Jesus rode on the colt and the crowds cheered Him, they said, “Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!” (Mark 11: 10)
By acknowledging Christ, in this way, the people were making a direct comparison to King Solomon’s entry into Gihon, as he rode on his father David’s colt, and was anointed king of Israel and Judah (1 Kings 1: 38 – 40).
So, the crowds who were singing “Hosanna”, recognised that Jesus was the fulfillment of Solomon’s role as the true Son of David Who has been anointed King and sits on David’s throne forever.
This is why there was a great uproar among those who objected to Christ, and they sought to kill Him.
The price of our salvation came at a tremendous price.
So today let us give Christ the praise that is His due as we shout, sing and dance, “Hosanna to our King!”.
Prayer
Lord Jesus You are indeed the Son of David, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
You are the Messiah Who frees us and today we sing with the Church throughout the world, Hosanna to Your Holy Name.
We praise You for Your triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Like the crowds did, we too wave our palms and branches in joyful songs of praise.
Blessed are You Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Blessed are You our King forever.
Hosanna in the highest!
Hymn – Laudes Regiæ
Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat!
(Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands).
Always & Forever,
To The Lamb.
With all my love.
25-March-2018