For Palm Sunday Mass, we have three options for “The Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance Into Jerusalem.” One option is for a full procession from some other place into the church. There is also a solemn entrance into the church. Or, there is a simple entrance. Unless the simple entrance is used, we hear at Mass today of both the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem and our Lord’s Passion.
Jesus knew of the fickle nature of public approval. As he rode into Jerusalem to fulfill the passage from Zechariah, he knew that many would be calling for his crucifixion only days later. But it did not matter. He came to do the will of the Father. Public opinion was irrelevant.
It is difficult for us to do so, but we too are called to do the will of the Father irrespective of public opinion. Our life is a mission from God, not a popularity contest. Of course, that does not give us an excuse to antagonize people at every turn. We are called to love God with our entire being and to receive God’s love and reflect it in our love of neighbor. To be Christ to others, to bring Christ to others, and to bring others to Christ. But following God’s teaching will not always be popular.
Are we committed to following God and not the whims of our culture? Are we pursuing God in this life or the approval of others? Do we want to follow the path in this life that leads to union with God in the next…regardless of the distractions from that path that we might encounter along the way?