We Remember
“Today, we remember not just Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in the past, but also His entry in the future.” ~ Unknown
Miriam Webster’s dictionary tells us that cosplay is “the activity or practice of dressing up as a character from a work of fiction (such as a comic book, video game, or television show).” We are very familiar with that phenomenon.
We actually became a part of cosplay when we were young and went out for Trick or Treat. We often dressed as superheroes, monsters, sports’ celebrities, and the like. We enjoyed the interaction with others who were dressed up as well.
As we get older, the cosplay can become much more serious for some. Just take a look at Star Trek or Marvel conventions. People are insulted if you don’t know who they are supposed to be or if you don’t take their dress seriously.
We do a fair share of role play in the liturgy as well. Today, Palm Sunday, you can go to many places and see the Passion of Christ reenacted. The Posada procession at Christmas is another occasion of the reenactment of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to lodge in Bethlehem.
When we role play, we often immerse ourselves in the past. We think about what happened and we try to recreate that past event. Today’s quote reminds us of another variable: we should look ahead as well.
If all we do is wave palms and read the Passion Gospel at Mass today, we may as well pack it up and go home. We need to remember that the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem almost two thousand years ago had implications not only for back then but for today.
Jesus wants to come into our hearts and help to guide our lives. If we are too busy focusing backwards, though, we will not be able to see nor to respond to Him. Jesus wants to come into our lives in a fully, richer way. If we allow Him in, all things will change.
Looking to the past is appropriate during the Lenten season. It helps us determine the things that we have done that need to change. However, once we decide those things, we must look to the future to see how we can change.
Jesus came into Jerusalem amidst shouts of praise. Welcome Him into your hearts this day with as much joy as you can muster.
FAITH ACTION: Ask God to give you the grace that you need to allow His Son into your life so that Jesus may lead you to the Kingdom that has been prepared for you.