Session 1: The Entrance

I let unwanted thoughts depart…allow my breath to even out…prepare myself for He who comes…

I begin by setting the scene of today’s reflection in my mind…

Jerusalem’s shroud is her walls, stone after stone built upon stone, her shadows enfolding a city, at whose gateway the crowds await, bustling with expectation, the coming of He who comes… I stand before those city gates…

I ask for the grace to recognize Jesus as he enters Jerusalem…or whatever it is that I need at this moment…

Matthew 21:1-11


When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,


‘Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’


The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

‘Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’


When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’

As you stand at the gates of the city watching the bystanders’ reaction, let your gaze rest upon Jesus as he approaches… who is it that makes his way through the crowd…? A political leader…? A majestic King…? or a simple man riding on a donkey…? What is it about him that makes you want to follow him into the city of Jerusalem?

As you listen again to these words, what are the sentiments that are aroused in your heart as Jesus approaches Jerusalem?

Speak to Jesus, as one friend speaks to another, tell him about your hopes and dreams, and listen to his response…

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.