Our first reading today, from the Old Testament, from the prophet Zechariah speaks to us today about Joy, about Hope and about Peace – our first reading today speaks to us about Jesus – the Messiah, the Prince of Peace.
We are first called to Rejoice – because salvation is at hand, because in Jesus we will find justice, in Jesus there is hope and in Jesus we will find peace. Ultimately – whether in our lives or in our lifetime – good triumphs over evil.
This reading – 500 years before the birth of Christ – describes the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – a King riding on an ass – a sign of peace.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the scriptures – He is the One. Imagine if you would – Jesus called His disciples and for three years He taught them. Jesus knew the scriptures. This reading from the prophet Zechariah is certainly one that Jesus would have explained, one he would have taught to His disciples.
Why – because this reading predicts – the coming of a King – but not just any King – the King of Peace – and that peace will not be just for the Israelites but for the whole world – He – the King of Peace – will proclaim peace to all the nations and His dominion will be from sea to sea – to all the ends of the earth.
And we are to REJOICE – because our savior has set us free.
Don’t let the world get you down – rejoice – rejoice always in the Lord. It’s not easy to do – it is much easier to feel sorry for yourself when misfortune comes your way – I know I used to – I used to ask the Lord why this and why that – but not anymore – I place my trust in the Lord – I place my faith in Him to work things out – and He does.
Do you know Jesus? Do you really know Jesus?
I think the difference – at least in me – was when I quit knowing about Jesus in my head and started knowing about Jesus in my heart. When I opened my eyes to the many blessings I have received – then – I could see Jesus working in my life.
Childhood memories … Hard times – living pay check to pay check – working 3 jobs to make ends meet – taking classes in the evenings to get my degree - the loss of our first child after 18 months and a miscarriage after that … but more than that which was bad enough – the sin and temptations in my life – that through the grace of God I have overcome …
The Joy, the Peace when you place all your Hope in Jesus … rejoice says the Lord – rejoice – your king has come and set you free.
Prayer of Abandonment
Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.”
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