Very often when we reminisce about the simple chores we had to do to help out our families when we were younger, it brings a lot of warmth and smiles to us and others. That’s because they can identify with what you are talking about. Isn’t it true that we all remember the times when we did simple chores out of love? For example, I used to sell newspapers at a street corner after school to help out my family. When I would bring home $2.57 after 3 hours of working, I really enjoyed seeing the smile of gratitude on my mother’s face. She would reward me with a delicious supper and made me feel like a prince. The same is true for my brothers and sisters as well. Isn’t it true that the simple, even menial jobs, are the ones we remember the most? It wasn’t the amount of money that counted, but the love and desire to help out our families that was the real gold. As we begin Holy Week, we start with the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Passion/Palm Sunday. He was truly the King of the Universe, and His disciples asked Him how they could best help Him. What does Jesus ask for: He asks for two of His followers to get Him a donkey. Talk about a menial job. It can be compared to standing on the corner in the cold and rain selling newspapers. What an inglorious job, whether to have to get a donkey or sell papers. The disciples went ahead to do as the Lord had asked. But this is what a disciple is often asked to do in life: a menial, seemingly insignificant task. It could be doing something as small as bringing someone to a doctor’s visit; or going shopping with them to help them carry groceries. It could be sitting up with a sick child and comforting them with tenderness and care. Christ calls us to serve His purposes. We are not called to serve our own purposes, which may seem more dramatic. The 2nd point of the Palm Sunday story is that Jesus calls for a donkey. A donkey is the most simple, humble animal, mostly used by the poor. Isn’t the lesson for us that God needs us to carry out these simple, menial tasks for one another? Jesus rides in as a king by riding on a simple animal; and we are called to be another Christ by doing small things with very large love. This is the practical side of Holy Week. Let us celebrate the simple things in life we do out of love for one another.   ~ Fr. John

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