Since time began, nations have been advertising their military might, and the Bible itself is one long history of nations fighting nations.  Yet the prophet Zecheriah, five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, proclaimed that the Messiah would come not with a show of strength, but to 'banish horses and chariots' and 'proclaim peace for the nations'. His triumph would not be from human strength but in humility, and in such humiliating circumstances that his own people Israel would reject him.

What we see today is a quiet pilgrim entering the Holy City, surrounded by a small band of followers.  Many of those there had seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead the previous day and knew he was ' special' in some way.  So they waved   their palm branches and laid down their cloaks and cried hosanna in welcome.  I wonder if Jesus knew, as he looked at their demonstration of support and loyalty, that soon, when the going got tough, they would turn and run ?

Our response today is to pray, not for human strength, but for the strength that comes from God; that through his strength we can learn to love him even when the going's rough; that we won't be simply Palm Sunday Christians, seeking all the comfortable aspects of religion.  Instead let us recognise that, like the followers of Jesus, we too are surrounded by the enemy and that human weapons will not suffice, and learn how to follow Jesus, imitating his humble submission to the Father in all circumstances of our lives.

Let us recognise Jesus not only in our praise and worship but in the midst of our difficulties sorrows and frustrations.  let us remember that the resurrection happened in the midst of chaos and confusion.  Let us pray for the grace to allow the man of sorrows to enter into and share all our sorrows.  See now our King comes to us.  He is triumphant, he is victorious...