Beauty in a World of Ugliness

Matthew 21:1-11 recounts the events of Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem:

1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The term “Hosanna” originates from Hebrew and is often translated as “Save, we pray” or “Save us, we pray.” It is an expression of adoration, praise, and supplication.  It’s origins lie in the events of Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. According to the Gospels, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds of people laid palm branches and their cloaks on the road, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”