The donkeys cooperated with Jesus and went wherever the Master led them (Mt 21:3). The palm branches waived in praise of Jesus and lay prostrate before Him (Mt 21:8). Even the rocks were poised and ready to worship Jesus (Lk 19:40). Most of creation was in step with the Son of God as His ministry reached its culmination in Jerusalem.

While the asses were ready when Jesus needed them, Judas wasn't. He was too busy looking for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to His opponents (Lk 22:6). The rocks were ready when their time came, but Peter, whom Jesus named "Rock," wasn't. He denied he even knew Jesus (Mt 26:72, 74). Neither were any of the other disciples ready. While Jesus was abandoning Himself for the disciples, they were abandoning Him (Mt 26:56). The Jewish leaders, who had been studying their entire life in preparation for the coming Messiah, weren't ready either. When it came time to speak up for their long-awaited Messiah, they yelled, "Crucify Him!" (Mt 27:22)

The earth, animals, and plants are ready for the Messiah and Holy Week. What about you? Are you ready to pass the Messiah-test? Will the rocks and the asses outdo you? "The Master needs" you (Mt 21:3). Watch and pray this week and forever with Him.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 14, 2007

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