CHRISTIANS all over the world, on Sunday, celebrated the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, with Rev. Fr. Hilary Ibegbulem, saying that it was an event to remind Christians of the need to give willingly like the owner of the Donkey Jesus rode on.
Fr. Ibegbulem, who spoke at Catholic Church of the Ascension, Asaba, Delta State, noted that if Christians give generously like the owner of the Donkey, they will always be rewarded by God.
He imagined what would have happened if the owner of the Donkey whose name was not given had refused to release the Donkey for Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
“Today, we commemorate Christ triumphant entry into Jerusalem; Jesus entered Jerusalem as a King, riding on a Donkey.
“We should reflect on the generosity of the owner of the Donkey who gave up his Donkey for Jesus to ride on it.
“If not for his generosity, we may not be celebrating the Palm Sunday as we are doing today.
“God is still in need of our help; God is still in need of our service and we should give generously.
“Are we disappointing Jesus Christ?
“Jesus still needs what we can do for Him; He needs our time; our talent; our wealth; our treasure.
“We should be generous like this man who willingly gave up his Donkey.
“Let us willingly serve God with what we have,” Fr. Ibegbulem said.
The celebration of the Palm Sunday in the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Asaba was unique.
There was a gospel reading and Homily shortly before the blessing of the palms held by the parishioners before they processed into the church, there was another narration of the Passion of Christ and Homily during the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Fr. Ibegbulem continued, “Today, we join the whole world to sing, Hosanna to the son of David.
“Also called Passion Sunday, because, the suffering of Jesus Christ began and the passion narrative was read, the passion will end on Good Friday.
“It is a very significant day in the church; when He went into Jerusalem, He knew He was going to die, yet, He announced His arrival in Jerusalem.
“He knew that He was going to suffer grievously and it is quite interesting that even when He knew what will happen to Him in Jerusalem, He entered there with joy.
Blessing of palm and entering the church with palm is symbolic of how Jesus entered Jerusalem.
“We should also, give value to our suffering by uniting them with the passion of Christ
“If we suffer, we should suffer for Christ.”
By FIDELIS EGUGBO
