Jesus, humbling himself out of love for us, did not shield His face from “buffets and spitting), but offered His life on the Cross. He relied on His Father’s love.

Among those entering into Jerusalem to participate in the Passover holy day were Jesus and His followers.

Why was Jesus called Hosanna?

I believe that those shouting Hosanna had concluded Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

Although their faith would be tested in the ordeal to come, their love for Jesus was remarkable.

There was tension that day about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem: ‘the crowd greets Jesus with the joyful accolades due to the one they perceive as the Messiah-king, but this entry into the City of David is not the moment of Jesus glory. “The disciples did not understand” that Jesus glory could only be achieved by suffering and death; death on the Cross leads to the glory of Risen life.

We cannot stress enough that this tension is a critical one, one that reminds us of the reality of the Cross, and its demand that we be faithful in standing with Jesus.

 Mark’s passion narrative gives us some indication of how the people there that day stood with Jesus.

What about me?

As we begin this Solemn week with this Mass, we pause to reflect on our willingness to follow Jesus in times of glory, and our unwillingness to follow Him in carrying the Cross.