THE GOOD PRIEST
The Prelate’s Message, March 28
Upon concluding our spiritual journey during the Great Lent and following the Spring Equinox we celebrate the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. What an uplifting opportunity to be refilled with the renewal of Mother Nature, but mostly with spiritual renewal because the entire creation is witnessing an unprecedented scene. Here we see the King of kings and the Lord of lords walking with His people, welcomed not with red carpets, royal bands or escorted by motorcades, but riding the humblest of all animals, a donkey. He was not surrounded by tight security but rather by children, youth, young adults and seniors, spreading their garments on the dusty and stony streets and paths leading from Jericho into Jerusalem, carrying palm and olive branches, and joyfully crying: “Hosanna, blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mt. 21.9).
What a spontaneous and magnificent scene where all ages and genders equally and joyfully trust a true leader, teacher, wonder-worker, and wholeheartedly dedicate to Him their best. This trust was not haphazard or based on self-interest, but rather generated through the personality, the teaching, the deeds and the behavior of Jesus the Nazarene who showered upon society goodness, and only abundant goodness; who shared the good news of salvation and eternal life; who taught the true and simple way to communicate with God as a Father; who conveyed the authenticity of His teaching through action; who approached compassionately those denied compassion by society; who had taken for His teaching as role models children, widows, even the birds and Mother Nature. In conclusion, He highly esteemed the value of each single human being, regardless of who they are.
Based upon the rock of this trust, the followers of the Good Priest were genuinely crying “Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” Jesus was not coming to demolish the rules and values of the ancestors, but to fulfill them, and to refresh all the deviations due to human interpretation. He was not coming for His own glory, because no one can render what is due to Him: for how can the clay honor its sculptor (cf. Is 45:9)? He was not coming to raise the bars for Himself to be elected, which leaders are apt to do to be elected for this or that position. He was, He is, and He will be the true and Perfect One who loves us at the price of his own death and cares for us, who is truly with the people and for His people here and after.
With this understanding, by escorting those who marched from Jericho to Jerusalem, let us walk ourselves with Him who is welcomed with Hosanna. Let us walk, O little ones and teenagers, in the fear of God, for He is looking at you as the apple of His eyes (cf. Ps 17:8). Let us walk, dear young brothers and sisters, with the ever young Savior Jesus who energizes us and enriches us in His divine wisdom to face our daily pressures and anxieties. Let us walk, dear parents, with our loving Lord who rejuvenates us in our understanding, patience and forgiveness for taking care of our families which are the foundation of a healthy community and nation. Let us walk, dear seniors, with our comforting Lord, whose staff according to the Psalmist strengthens us in our march to eternity (Ps 23:4).
Yes, my dear brothers and sisters, let us walk together with the Nazarene Priest, especially those oppressed under the weight of the coronavirus pandemic from last March and the terrible national catastrophe of November, so we do not bow and despair, but accompanying Him in the Cross, we become stronger with Him, overcome all visible and invisible difficulties, glorifying the Holy Trinity. Amen.