TOPIC:
JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM
PALM SUNDAY HOMILY, LUKE 19:28-40, APRIL 10, 2022
1. STORY
An Indian tribe was suffering a severe drought. The wise men said it was
because the tribe was selfish. For years they had taken from the earth but had
not given anything back. To bring rain, there must be the sacrifice of a
valuable possession. No one was willing to give up his valuable possession. One
possessed a useful bow but needed it for hunting. Another had a blanket but
needed it for warmth. Everyone had an excuse to keep what he or she valued most.
Little Mary had a valuable doll given to her by her parents. One night when
everyone was asleep, she went up the mountain and when the little fire she
started was burning, she threw the doll into the fire. She sacrificed her most
important possession. In a few days, a gentle rain began to fall, the land
began to grow crops, and the people were saved. Little Mary saved her people.
Jesus saves us by his death and resurrection.
2. GOSPEL, LUKE 19:28-40
A. THE PEOPLE WELCOMED JESUS INTO JERUSALEM.
Jesus
rode into Jerusalem on a colt as a sign of humility. The people were so happy
to welcome him that they spread their cloaks on the road and began to praise
God in a joyful voice.
B THE PEOPLE SAW THE MIGHTY DEEDS JESUS HAD PERFORMED. Many people were his
disciples and had followed him during his three years of activity. They saw him
feed the hungry, cure the sick, raise the dead, and teach them about God.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. WE WELCOME JESUS INTO OUR LIVES.
We
also welcome Jesus into our lives not only today as we hold the palms but also
every day. We do this in at least four ways.
i)
When we spend time in prayer and attend Mass, we welcome Jesus. ii) When we
read the bible and listen to his word, we welcome Jesus.
iii)
When we receive the Eucharist, we welcome Jesus.
iv)
When we follow his example and help people, we welcome Jesus.
B. JESUS CONTINUES TO PERFORM GREAT DEEDS.
Just
as Jesus performed great deeds in helping people, he continues to do so today.
i)
Through the wonderful sacrament of baptism, we are given new life. We become
adopted children of God and Jesus becomes our brother and we become members of
the family of God, the Catholic Church.
ii) Jesus continues to teach us through the word at Mass and in the bible.
iii) Jesus continues to feed us with spiritual food, the Eucharist.
iv)
Jesus continues to forgive us through the sacrament of confession.
v)
Jesus continues to comfort us by assuring us of the great gift of eternal life.
We are truly blessed because of Jesus’ care for us.
4. CONCLUSION
Little Mary sacrificed her most valuable possession to save her people. Jesus
gave up his most valuable possession, his life, to save us. We welcome Jesus
into our lives as the people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus performs
great deeds today as he did many years ago. We thank Jesus for his love and
care. We ask for his help so that we can continue his work of helping others.
