As we enter Holy Week this year, the global pandemic has dispersed us and our ‘crowds’ to our homes. We are learning new ways of being together, at home and apart. We may be experiencing the full spectrum of feelings and there Jesus is – right in the middle, in the center of us and all the feels.
The One who invites us to come, is the One who comes to us first. He is gentle and humble of heart. He greets us with compassion just as we are.
Perhaps a gift of this season is that we have margin to linger in our prayer.
Where are you noticing God come near to you in gentleness, humility, kindness, and love? How is he extending compassion towards all the anxieties, fears, anger, helplessness and depression that is part of our inner crowds these days? And how can we join him in extending that compassion towards ourselves and others?
Surely, Jesus comes toward us. Come Lord Jesus! Make haste to help us.
Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)
As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”
4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’”
6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.
8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,
“Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!”
10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.
11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
What longings arise within you as you meditate on the text? What emotions stir within you? Bring them into your prayer.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.
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