Greetings of peace and joy, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of the Holy Week. As we recall the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, I invite you to reflect not just on the crowds, the palms, or even Jesus Himself—but on someone unexpected: the donkey.
Yes, the donkey! The humble creature Jesus rode into the holy city. Even the donkey can teach us important lessons about Christian life and discipleship. I want to share five simple reflections from the Gospel of Luke, the passage read before the distribution of palms.

1. The Lord Knows Where We Are
Jesus says to His disciples:  'Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied." Jesus knew exactly where the donkey was. He gave clear directions. Today, we use GPS to find our way—but Jesus is the ultimate GPS: God's Perfect System. He knows exactly where we are, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Just as He knew where Matthew was sitting, where Zacchaeus was hiding in the tree, and when the Samaritan woman came to the well, He knows your location, your heart,
and your need. He meets you where you are.

2. The Lord Prefers Purity and Humility
The Gospel says the colt was one on which no one had ever sat. It was unused. Untouched. This tells us something about Jesus'; preferences. When someone important visits our home, we ask about their food preferences. If we asked Jesus about His preferences,
He might say: "I choose those with pure hearts and humble spirits."
He chose a virgin mother, an unused tomb, and an unused donkey. The Lord values purity and humility.
Isaiah 66:2 says: "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."
If we desire to be used by God, we must nurture these two virtues—purity and humility.

3. The Donkey Had to Be Untied
Before the donkey could be used, it had to be untied.
Each of us has something we are tied to—attachments, habits, or sins. St. John of the Cross said: "To keep a bird from flying, you don't need a chain—just a thin string is enough."
What’s the little string holding you back?
Galatians 5:1 reminds us: "For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Colossians 3:5 warns us to put to death what is earthly in us—immorality, impurity, evil desires. Let us untie ourselves so we can be available for the Lord.

They bring the donkey to Jesus, throw garments on it, and Jesus rides it into Jerusalem.
Two key lessons here:
First, the donkey follows the master's lead.
If the master says, “Go straight,” the donkey goes straight. If He says, “Turn right,” it turns right.
So must we obey Jesus’ direction in our lives.
Second, the donkey receives a grand welcome—people wave branches, sing
“Hosanna,” and lay garments on the road.
But the donkey must never mistake the praise for itself.
The “Hosanna” was not for the donkey.
If the donkey ever thinks it’s being celebrated, then it’s truly a donkey!
All glory belongs to Jesus.
We have value only as long as we carry Christ.

5. The Lord Has Need of You
When the disciples untied the donkey and were asked what they were doing, they replied: "The Lord has need of it."

The Lord has need of you. Yes, you.
He wants to use you for His mission.
But first, we must be found, untied, purified, and guided by Him.

In Conclusion
My dear sisters and brothers, as we enter into this sacred Holy Week, may we reflect on these lessons from the humble donkey. Let us be ready to carry Jesus into our homes, our communities, and our world.
Let us live in purity, humility, freedom, obedience, and always remember—the Lord has need of us.

God bless you all. Wishing you a very blessed and grace-filled Holy Week.

Amen.