rocky road
"The Master needs them." —Matthew 21:3
Before Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the donkeys cooperated when Jesus had need of them (Mt 21:3). The palm branches waved in praise of Jesus and lay prostrate before Him (Mt 21:8). Even the rocks were poised and ready to worship Jesus (Lk 19:40). Most of creation was in step with the Son of God as His ministry reached its culmination in Jerusalem.
While the asses were ready when Jesus needed them, Judas wasn't. He was too busy looking for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to His opponents (Lk 22:6). The rocks were ready when their time came, but Peter, whom Jesus named "Rock," wasn't. He denied he even knew Jesus (Mt 26:72, 74). Neither were any of the other disciples ready. While Jesus was abandoning Himself for the disciples, they were abandoning Him (Mt 26:56). The Jewish leaders, who had been studying their entire life in preparation for the coming Messiah, weren't ready either. When it came time to speak up for their long-awaited Messiah, they yelled, "Crucify Him!" (Mt 27:22)
The earth, animals, and plants are ready for the Messiah and Holy Week. What about you? Are you ready to pass the Messiah-test? Will the rocks and the asses outdo you? "The Master needs" you (Mt 21:3). Watch and pray this week and forever with Him.
Prayer: Jesus, I devote my life to You. May my total love for You be as a soothing balm to bring You comfort and joy.
Promise: "This is My blood, the blood of the covenant, to be poured out in behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins." —Mt 26:28
Praise: The Lord said that even if the disciples "were to keep silence, I tell you the very stones would cry out" (see Lk 19:40). Praise You, Jesus, Master of all creation!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 24, 2020
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.