Did you know that the word "horse" doesn't appear in the Gospels? Not surprising, since it's a luxurious mount reserved for the powerful and conquerors, like the Romans. The people of Israel know that a different kind of weapon protects them: "To some, chariots; to others, horses; to us, the name of our God, the Lord" (Psalm 19:8). So it is a peaceful donkey, familiar to the peasants, that will have the honor of carrying Jesus, a gentle and humble king, into Jerusalem. But in a few days, he will leave the Holy City carrying his own cross. At Golgotha, above the cross, a sign will still identify him as "King of the Jews," which will provoke the scorn of his triumphant enemies. What kind of kingship is this, in such self-denial, in such a reversal of all the symbols of human power? Who is this king who dies like a slave? Listening to the long account of the Passion is enough to make one feel dizzy.

At the start of Holy Week, Jesus invites all his disciples to follow him to the very end. “The Lord needs it,” explained those who untied the donkey. And the owner immediately provided what was asked of him. What does the Lord need to involve us today in his work of salvation? Undoubtedly, our availability, our schedules, and above all, our hearts. What have we planned to participate in the rich services that the Church offers us? As one priest said, these are the most beautiful days of the year.

Christelle Javary

Editor and lecturer at the Faculty of Theology of the Catholic Institute of Paris

in Magnificat