GROW AS A DISCIPLE
In today’s first reading, Israel’s king comes riding “on a colt, the foal of an ass.” This is a far cry from the horses and chariots the kings of other nations rode into battle as they sought to assert their authority and subdue their enemies. But Israel’s king is not like other kings; he banishes horses and the warrior’s bow, proclaiming peace to all the nations. Despite his meekness, “his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.” What we’re given here is an image of peace achieved not by asserting military might, but through justice and humility. Of course, this image of a king riding a colt into Jerusalem will remind us of Jesus, who entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and destroyed his enemies (death and sin) not by political revolution but by laying down his life. If being a Christian is about claiming Christ as our king, then we must reject the temptation to seize power by asserting dominance, but instead act in ways that promote justice and peace.
GO EVANGELIZE
An essential part of the Church’s mission is what we call the “preferential option for the poor.” In his Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, Pope Leo XIV says that “this ‘preference’ never indicates exclusivity or discrimination toward other groups, which would be impossible for God. It is meant to emphasize God’s actions, which are moved by compassion toward the poverty and weakness of all humanity. Wanting to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, fraternity, and solidarity, God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.” (16) What this means is that we are called to put the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the suffering at the center of our concern. In our prayer, ministry, and outreach, we are called to prioritize their needs. When we live this out, we are extending the love of Jesus, whose own heart provides a place of welcome for those who are heavily burdened and in need of rest.
SERVE
Today’s readings give us a glimpse of the heart of God: meek, humble, compassionate. This week, find one concrete way you can emulate his heart by serving those in need in your community. Through these actions, you bear witness to “his Spirit that dwells in you.”
By The Faithful Disciple