Christ is risen. This phrase is one of the most common things you will hear people say today. Even little children will be able to respond when anyone states, Christ is risen. Today marks the greatest event in history. Christ is risen. In our songs today, we sing “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by His death...” and the author of the piece is so filled with joy that he had to include, “rejoice oh beloved Church, for your master has risen.” Today is the feast of all feasts; there is nothing more significant to exclaim except that Christ is risen.

Have you ever wondered as to why Christ came into Jerusalem triumphantly, riding on a donkey? If Christ was triumphant, why does He not choose a majestic horse and chariot to go into Jerusalem? Why did Christ choose an animal which was considered unclean according to the Law of Moses? Not only that, why did He choose a donkey which was not yet tamed to be that very instrument in which He enters into Jerusalem. Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem while riding on a donkey is a calling for each of us to join Him in His glorious victory. Not as one of those who shouted “Hosanna,” but rather, the calling is for us to become like that chosen donkey.

This Gospel account is a prime example of our own prayer life; this is how we should pray. This Canaanite woman exemplifies our struggles in prayer, but more to the point, she shows us how we are to pray. Prayer, and I mean True Prayer, is something that we must struggle with. Very often in our spiritual life, specifically in the context of being in need and praying to God for help, we often feel despondent or disheartened when our prayers are not answered. God does not answer every prayer that we pray to Him in the manner in which we intend. When we pray in our times of need, we do so while looking for a specific solution or a response within a timeframe. It is always hard to accept God’s answer or His response time.