When Ukraine was invaded, a lot of eyes were on Volodymyr Zalensky, its president.

Would he stay? Would he run? 

Would he fight? Would he flee?

His decision to remain in his position and his country had a two-fold impact:

First, on himself, he would feel fulfilled and proud because he would be living up to his ideals and convictions.

And second, people would be looking at his example, one that could inspire and encourage them to live up to their ideals as well.

Our decisions to remain true to our convictions and to honor our virtues - is the point here. And it is illustrated no more clearly than what we will be commemorating this weekend - Palm Sunday.

Here we see that our Lord Jesus Christ made the most difficult decision of his life, in setting his eyes on Jerusalem and the mock trial, conviction, torture, and death that awaited him. 

Jesus did not run from what was before him, but took the difficult path, the road that honored his convictions and virtues, even when, at points, he was doubtful and even convinced that God had abandoned him.

How many of us can relate?

How many of us are facing difficulties of our own, that are threatening to break us?

We are tempted by the crush of discouragement, by apathy - to give up and give in.

And it’s at this point we’re asked to look to Jesus — at what he did - and trust that the same God who brought him through, can bring us through.

Friends, things are so rough out there - we are facing unprecedented worries, fears, and anxieties - 

God knows this.

And God cares.

So God gave us Jesus - as a source of strength, and a living example,  that we, like our Lord, might make that brave decision, to move forward, and get though it.

Saints, keep on keeping on, things are tough, but you can make it, God saw that Jesus did, and God can see that we can, too.