The Master Has Need Of You!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Welcome everyone.  I would like to say a few words about the gospel proclaimed at the start of the service today and which sets the mood for this Holy Week.

The goal of Jesus especially in the gospel of Luke is to ascend to Jerusalem.  This ascent comes together in his offering of himself on the cross.  This act replaces all the old sacrifices of sheep and goats.  This ascent into the presence of the Father through the Cross shows us the love that Jesus has for us “unto the end.”  And he invites us to do make the same ascent to the cross.  Is this not what Christian marriage and Christian life is all about?

The mother of a bride a few years ago was looking for me after the wedding since she was upset that I said marriage is like a crucifixition.  I should have used different words but the call to die to oneself cannot be denied if we want to be like Christ, especially in marriage.

The preparations for this entrance into Jerusalem look a bit strange to us.  There is a donkey that no one has ever used and Jesus says to tell the owner that the Master has need of it.  And the owner says, “Sure, take it”.  For a Jew there are many allusions in these preparations.  The right of a King, which was known everywhere at that time, gives him the right to make a requisition of the means of transport from anyone.  It also has to be an animal that was never used before.

The prophet Zechariah tells us that a king will come to you humble and mounted on a donkey.  Christ is a different type of king, a king of peace and simplicity, a king of the poor.  These Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in his person; they speak of the Messiah.  He is not speaking of anything political, a revolt against Rome or anything like that.  His power is of another kind.  It is in God’s poverty and peace that a power comes forth that can save and redeem us.

Spreading out the garments also belongs to the tradition of a king, as does the cutting of the psalms and singing the Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  This verse (Hosanna in the highest) was at first a call for help, a prayer for rain.  Lord, please, come and help us.  Then at the time of Christ it became more of a shout of praise, of joy.  The Messiah has arrived; he is here, come let us praise the Lord.

The people that followed Jesus into Jerusalem on this day were not the same people who called for his death at the end of the week.  Due to a combination of fear and indifference the people failed to recognize him as the Messiah.

The perfect prayer Jesus says often in the gospels is the prayer of children, the one who makes himself little before God and others.  We are invited to do so this week.  To become like little ones, simple, and thankful for what God is doing for us.

The Lord is also coming to us today in the Eucharist.  He is the One who is always coming to us, maybe in the disguise of suffering, or a poor person, or a homily in church.  He is the One who is always coming to us, and wants to enter our lives.

One of the disciples says in the gospel, “The Master has need of it.”  Maybe some of you are very smart, or deal well with children, or sing like an angel, the Lord has need of you.  He gave you this gift for his service and for the service of others; it is not only for you.  Don’t remain tied up like this donkey that Christ rode into Jerusalem.  Don’t be tied up with concerns about what people think, about your job or your future.  The Lord comes this week to untie us so that we can be of use to his Church.

Use well this week and come to the three nights of the liturgy for Easter: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil or Easter Mass on Sunday.  Put these things first since they are the most important appointments you have this week.

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