What would happen if Jesus showed up today? James Ensor's vast, unsettling canvas draws us into the noise and masks of Christ's Entry into Brussels — only to find him quiet, haloed, and nearly alone.

Matthew 21:7-11

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Settle into a comfortable posture. Let your shoulders soften. Notice your breathing—drawing God’s gift of life in, and releasing it. Stay here a moment.

As thoughts arrive, let them pass without judgment. There will be time for other things.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

Imagine Jesus showing up today—quietly, humbly, near enough to be missed. Would anyone notice?

Or would the march of modern life rush past—caught up in its own ideologies and personalities?

In this time and place, let us listen for Christ’s voice—one that challenges the social norms and politics of the day, and still comes to us with gentleness.

Scripture

Matthew 21:7–11

They brought the donkey and her colt, and after they laid their cloaks on the animals, Jesus mounted and rode toward the city.

Great crowds of people spread their cloaks on the road, while some began to cut branches from the trees and lay them along the path.

The crowds—those who went in front of Jesus and those who followed—were all shouting,

“Hosanna to the heir to the house of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Most High!
Hosanna in the highest!”

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred to its depths, demanding, “Who is this?”

And the crowd kept answering, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee!”

Holy Spirit, be near as you were near in that crowded street.

As you pray, let the Scripture and the image meet your life—wherever you feel hurried, distracted, or pulled by other agendas.

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

Christ’s Entry into Brussels in 1889 — James Ensor

Let us look at the painting.

The mob presses toward us, as if about to run us over—politicians, clergy, and the military mixed in with masked faces and clowns.

And yet Christ rides further back in the procession—haloed, with a very human face—surrounded by a clear space, as though alone and without support.

As you gaze at the details, be aware of the thoughts and feelings that come to you.

Reflection Questions

Where do you see the “march of modern life” in the painting—and where do you feel it in your own days?

As you look, what detail draws your attention first?

What thoughts or feelings rise up in you as the crowd presses forward?

Where is Christ in this scene, and what is it like for you to notice him there?

Compare the painting to the passage you heard from Matthew. What is similar, and what is different?

Is there a thought or feeling you sense God guiding you to further explore?

Look again for other details in the painting that speak to what you are noticing.

What more are you hearing as you allow God to speak to you through this image?

Is there a Scripture, or another word from God, that comes to you now?

Is God calling you to respond in some way to your contemplation today—and what would be the first step?

Closing

Read this from Malcolm Guite, “Palm Sunday,” from Sounding the Seasons.

Now to the gate of my Jerusalem,

The seething holy city of my heart,

The saviour comes. But will I welcome him?

Oh crowds of easy feelings make a start;

They raise their hands, get caught up in the singing,

And think the battle won. Too soon they’ll find

The challenge, the reversal he is bringing

Changes their tune. I know what lies behind

The surface flourish that so quickly fades;

Self-interest, and fearful guardedness,

The hardness of the heart, its barricades,

And at the core, the dreadful emptiness

Of a perverted temple. Jesus come

Break my resistance and make me your home.

Jesus, come. Break our resistance and make your home in us. Teach us to notice you, to follow you, and to welcome your humble way. Amen.