He comes, the shepherd who will lay down his life for his sheep,
the king who will proclaim peace,
the Bridegroom for his wedding.
He will drink the cup, give himself entirely,
strip off his robe of equality with God,
wash the feet of his bride,
clothe her in his own royal dignity,
feed and nourish her with his own body and blood
as does a mother her children.

This is the prelude, the plot of the drama enacted in solemn form,
the summary expression of the whole mystery of creation and redemption,
the purpose of his coming into the world to fulfil the divine plan,
to take his bride to himself.

He comes not as a warrior but humble and riding on a donkey.
He has no need of arms or legions of angels since he comes with authority,
the rightful king, the Father’s son, retracing the steps of David’s son Solomon,
to claim his throne.
He comes with acclamation and rejoicing
but also as the garlanded sacrifice to the altar,
the one acceptable sacrifice that will bring salvation for the whole world.

The Bridegroom is here! Let us go out to meet him!

Sr Mary Peter