Following Jesus in Glory and Suffering
Scripture Passage:
“I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”
— Luke 19:40
Opening Reflection:
Palm Sunday opens Holy Week with a striking contrast. The joyful cries of “Hosanna!” echo through Jerusalem as Jesus enters the city on a humble colt. People wave palms and shout His praise, recognizing Him as the Messiah. Yet within days, those same voices fall silent or turn to cries of “Crucify Him!” This dramatic shift challenges us to consider whether we truly follow Christ when it matters most not only in glory but in suffering too.
Meditative Reflection:
The crowd rejoiced loudly when it felt good to do so. But as Jesus approached the darkest moments of His mission the agony in Gethsemane, His arrest, the brutal path to Calvary praise disappeared. Fear silenced many, including the disciples. Only a few, like Mary and John, remained faithful at the foot of the Cross. Jesus’ warning that if His followers were silent, even the stones would cry out foreshadowed the moment of His death, when creation itself mourned: the earth quaked, rocks split, and darkness covered the land.
As we begin Holy Week, we are invited not to stand at a distance but to walk closely with Jesus. Are we willing to follow Him when it’s uncomfortable, when faith costs us something, when the world jeers rather than cheers? The triumphal entry and the crucifixion are not separate stories but one journey. True discipleship means staying with Jesus through both the palms and the Passion.
Reflection Questions:
Do I only praise Jesus when it’s easy and socially acceptable?
Have I remained silent about my faith in moments of pressure or fear?
Am I willing to follow Him not only in moments of celebration but also in suffering?
Lenten Question:
Q: Why did Jesus enter Jerusalem on a donkey?
A: Jesus chose a donkey to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah (Zech 9:9), symbolizing humility and peace, contrasting the image of a conquering king on a horse. He came not to wage war, but to bring salvation through the Cross.
Lenten Action:
Identify one area in your life where you are tempted to remain silent about your faith. Make a conscious effort this week to speak, act, or pray boldly in that space even if it feels uncomfortable.
Concluding Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I welcome You with praise as You enter Jerusalem, but I also choose to stay with You as You walk the path of suffering and love. Strengthen my faith so that I do not abandon You in moments of trial. May I never be silenced by fear, but speak and live as one who truly belongs to You.
Amen.
Resources for Lenten Prayers and Reflections:
Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Lenten Reflections | EWTN | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/reflections/lent
Lenten Prayers and Daily Reflections | My Catholic Life | https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/