Zech 9:9-10; Ps 144(145); Rom 8:9,11-13; Mt 11:25-30
From the fifth century BC, after the return from the exile, Zechariah’s apocalyptic oracles look forward to the restoration of Israel, when all the nations will look towards Jerusalem. The Davidic king to be restored by God will bring release from captivity, but repentance must come first. Later Matthew misinterprets the idiomatic repetition of “riding on a donkey, on a colt” and has Jesus riding into Jerusalem on two animals at once (Mt 21).
The Psalm praises the Lord’s kindness and care for creation and exhorts all creatures to thank the Lord.
Over the next few weeks Paul’s letter to the Roman describes “life in the Spirit”. Unable to “do the good I want!”, Paul sees that we serve sin through our “flesh”, our weak, earth-bound, human nature. But by coming in the likeness of sinful flesh, God’s Son has enabled us to walk “according to the Spirit”. The Spirit of God dwelling in us enables us to participate in divine life.
After Jesus’ proclaimed the gospel in Galilee, he went on to preach “in their cities” but met opposition to his teaching, and he upbraided them for their lack of repentance. Those reputed to be wise do not understand, but those with the simple trust of children do. Learn from him, for his “burden is light”.
(Zech 9:9-10; Ps 144(145); Rom 8:9,11-13; Mt 11:25-30)
