Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them.  As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.  As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.  Luke 19:32 – 35

I stand amazed by the symbolism of Jesus choosing to enter Jerusalem at the beginning of this week of weeks riding on a simple household donkey, a colt in fact.

While I do not disparage Muslim believers I do recall that Mohammed chose a quite different way to announce his arrival in Mecca in 630 AD.  He rode into Mecca as a military commander of an estimated 10,000 armed soldiers, prepared for battle!

Contrast the two entries, Jesus entry to Jerusalem on a common donkey, without arms or an army with that of Mohammed’s entry into Mecca. It is striking.

I get uneasy when the followers of Jesus look to military or political power to provide spiritual security.  Jesus did not take that way. He chose a donkey that he borrowed.  He did not own even a donkey!

As we reflect on this holy week, may we take note of the fact that Jesus relied only on the care of his Father in Heaven, not on any political or earthly power.  When Peter drew his sword later in the week Jesus told him to put it away.  The way of the Cross, the way we are on by the grace of God, is the way of peace.