As many Christians around the world celebrate Palm Sunday to remember the much heralded entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on the Sunday before Easter, thus begins the first day of the Holy Week. The throngs of people hailed him “King” as he humbly rode his donkey over the palm leaves that had been scattered in his path – a symbol of respect reserved for kings and dignitaries.  Yet Jesus, a humble man, would likely be the first to protest all the attention and adoration since he proclaimed to be a servant of God, his Father.  He was, after all, but a man – a human who lived and served humanity – under God.

Indeed, one of the first humanitarians of record.

So, for me, I view this holiest of weeks as a celebration of a humanitarian, albeit a Divine one. It’s not just about the man, but the message: renewal, forgiveness, compassion, redemption, and service.

Lest we forget:

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”  – Muhammad Ali