Dear Friends,
It was a beautiful day. You could smell spring everywhere! It was a day my followers would never forget. We were going to the holy city for Passover. Soon my mission would be complete. In my heart I was getting ready to give my final gifts to my close friends. I felt happy to be going to my Father, but very sad to be leaving my friends. The coming week would be unlike any other in the history of the world. I was about to give my life for the salvation of all people.
Can I ask you a favor? Would you take time during Holy Week—especially on Friday—to keep me company? Good Friday was also precious because you were in my heart, too.
Signed,
Your friend, Jesus
Matthew 21:1-11
21 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
But soon, things were about to change. Some did not understand his mission here on earth. On Good Friday Jesus would be giving his life to save the world. But Jesus had said to his disciples "I will rise again on the third day."
In my week…
I will spend time with Jesus, thanking him for his love. I’ll try to make the Stations of the Cross at church or call to mind during the day the great love that Jesus has shown for us.