We began our Mass with children joining in the procession waking and waving their palms.
When
we settled, one of our little friends couldn't wait to tell us about the Passion of
Christ. I humbly submit that he retold the tale better than St. Mark!
His attention to details and animation were Oscar worthy. Then another little friend
told us that Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as a symbol that he
came in peace, had He ridden a horse it would have meant war.
The young man who proclaimed the First Reading did so with such
meaning and clarity, it was as though I was hearing those words for the
first time. Wither it was his voice or his intonation or the way he
place emphasis on certain parts - it was beautiful soul food!
As he finished a guest appeared in our doorway. She led the children outdoors, into a blowing late season snowfall to meet Daisy, a donkey dressed for Passion Sunday.
The
children LOVED the experience. They touched the donkey and fed him
apples and carrots. The group who accompanied the donkey encouraged our
children to sing along with them. The parents who were there were amazed
by the whole thing.
When we returned, we read the Gospel. The
children then compared the peaceful donkey and Christ's peaceful entry
into Jerusalem with the violent events that followed. I couldn't have
imagined anything more powerful. Our children are so insightful!!
This
evening I got a call at home from a parent whose children are still
talking about the donkey! The magic is spreading.
I do not know how to say thank you enough for this experience. This was a huge gift of faith to all of us.
