Lent with Bossuet – Meditations on the Gospel (32)

The Triumphant Entrance of Our Lord

Jesus, then, knew what He wanted—the accomplishment of the prophecies—but a hidden force carried out all the rest.

So too, on this occasion, the she-ass and her foal were found at a given point near the place where the celebrated entrance was to take place. Their master willingly parted with them. The apostles placed Jesus upon the foal without realizing the significance of what they were doing. Sudden joy seized the people.

If the smallest things were accomplished, even to the acquisition of the she-ass and her foal,  what do you fear, dear Christian? Can you doubt the magnificent promises which have been made to you? Jesus has seen all, known all, pondered all, prepared all. Walk in confidence, and fear nothing.

The holy Fathers say that the foal, which no other than Jesus had mounted, represents the Gentiles, indomitable and indocile animals, whom no other before Jesus had subjugated. Come, undisciplined souls, come and submit yourselves to Jesus. Humble yourselves, and let yourselves be led. 

Zacharias says, “Behold thy King will come to thee, the just and savior” (Zac. 9:9). But listen to the sequel to this prophecy: With this feeble equipage, “I will destroy the chariot out of Ephraim, and the horse out of Jerusalem, and the bow for war shall be broken: and he shall speak peace to the Gentiles, and his power shall be from sea to sea, and from the rivers” (Zac. 9:11), upon which He will preach, and where He will administer the new baptism, “even to the end of the earth.” “Thou also,” Oh Saviour victorious, “by the blood of thy testament hast sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit, wherein is no water”(Zac.9:11), and from the dark dungeon of a prison. Behold, the most bellicose and most proud nations are conquered, ransomed, and delivered by this King mounted on an ass.