Wellspring of the Gospel

 

Year A: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 First Reading: Zechariah 9: 9-10

The First Reading picks up on the theme of the humility of God’s chosen one - the king.

Matthew uses this in his account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem - seeing Jesus’ riding on a donkey as fulfilment of the prophecy we read today.

The images of kingship we read today are not the ones we usually associate with absolute monarchs.

This is a king who does not lord it over his subjects.

He is victorious and triumphant - but needs no lavish procession or parade of those he has captured along with the booty of war.

He comes among his people with humility.

He comes to establish a reign of peace which will extend to the very ends of the earth.

This image of kingship is one that totally confounded Pilate at the trial of Jesus - here was a king definitely not of this world.

It is a form of kingship that challenges the world.

If our King behaves with such humility - how should we behave?

If our King seeks to proclaim peace for the nations - what does this require of us?

What does the image of our King coming among us riding on a donkey mean for us?

 

What does it mean for me?

Waterlily How does this image of kingship challenge or inspire you?

Text © 2007 Wellspring

| Gospel | First Reading | Second Reading |

  | Weekly Wellsprings |