Posted originally on CTH on April 13, 2025 | Menagerie

I am hoping to offer a good message for all Christians, and I had one of our finest and most respected Treepers make this comment in reply several years ago.

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“Menagerie, I am not Roman Catholic nor associated with any church denomination. I study the Bible under Pre-Tribulation Dispensational teachings. I find nothing in Bishop Barron’s homily that disagrees with what I understand about our Father and His will, His Grace, and His agapé love for us, and His Son Jesus Christ.”This is an exceptionally good message that universally applies to all Christians. Thank you for posting it this Palm Sunday morning.

This is what I was shooting for.

Luke 19:28-40

Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.
As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany
at the place called the Mount of Olives,
he sent two of his disciples.
He said, “Go into the village opposite you,
and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered
on which no one has ever sat.
Untie it and bring it here.
And if anyone should ask you,
‘Why are you untying it?’
you will answer,
‘The Master has need of it.’”
So those who had been sent went off
and found everything just as he had told them.
And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them,
“Why are you untying this colt?”
They answered,
“The Master has need of it.”
So they brought it to Jesus,
threw their cloaks over the colt,
and helped Jesus to mount.
As he rode along,
the people were spreading their cloaks on the road;
and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives,
the whole multitude of his disciples
began to praise God aloud with joy
for all the mighty deeds they had seen.
They proclaimed:
“Blessed is the king who comes
in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest.”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
He said in reply,
“I tell you, if they keep silent,
the stones will cry out!”

I would like to add a word to Bishop Barron’s homily about using our gifts. The Lord has blessed me in many ways. I think perhaps the greatest one has been the opportunity to serve him in a time of great need when I had no gift to give.

A crisis came, and there was great need, and no answers, and no solutions, and no one else to do this thing. Something far outside my abilities, interests, and even inclinations. Perhaps something even contrary to my own nature. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it, and I certainly knew I couldn’t do it. But it had to be done, and somehow I knew it was my job to do.

For the first time in all my years, I found myself holding nothing back from God, because I had nothing to give. He did it all, and I went along for the ride. Someone I love very, very much has had his life changed, and a great burden has been lifted for his family.

I can’t think of what it has done for me without many tears. But with the gift comes pain, because now it’s time to let go, and the outcome is really out of my hands, and my heart hurts with the risks and the challenges ahead.

The most meaningful, important, crucial thing I’ve ever done in my life is when I gave something I never had to give in the first place. God truly provided all, and that is not humility on my part. It’s wonder. And profound gratitude that I had nothing, because it sure wound up better than anything, everything I might have otherwise started with.

It’s common to hear pastors, priests, rabbis, coaches, and parents encourage us to give our all, do our best. I say give your nothing too.