Today we hear about Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem.
This was a journey to observe Passover, the most
important and solemn holiday of the Jewish people.
But it was also a time of joyful family reunions and
get togethers with friends not seen in a long time. It
was a holiday from work and the normal routine. It
was a chance for people from farms and villages to
come to the city for a few days and experience things
they did not have at home.
Jesus’ reputation had preceded him. He was known
as a teacher and healer. Some people had expecta-
tions that he would use this time in Jerusalem to be-
come a political or military leader and drive the Ro-
mans out of the country. The Disciples may have had
expectations too that he would declare himself the
Messiah though they were not really sure what that
meant.
Jesus however is aware of another dimension to this
journey of his. He knows that eventually this journey
will lead to rebirth and new life and new beginnings
and joy but only after he has passed through great
suffering.
We also take journeys in our life. Sometimes they are
journeys to a different geographic location—a new
home, a new job, going away to school, a vacation.
We also make journeys as we move through different
stages of life—child to adult, single to marriage, par-
ent of young to parent of grown children, career to
retirement. Some of our journeys are full of anticipa-
tion and excitement, some of our journeys have un-
expected problems or joys or endings. Some of our
journeys are through profound loss—death of loved
ones, loss of health, other tragedies. It is good to re-
member the Journey of Jesus and to know he has
experienced all of the complex aspects of our journey
and he accompanies us on our own journeys.
Peace.
Mary