Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Luke 19:28-40

 

Palm Sunday.

Two thoughts:

 

First.   Once again we hear the story of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as he is greeted with love, joy and adulation.  Why do they greet him so?  Some see him as the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior, who will overthrow their oppressors and restore Israel to its former glory.  In other words, they see Jesus primarily as a political figure.  Others see him as the Healer who miraculously restores individuals to health, ending their suffering and afflictions.  Lastly, others see him as the Son of Man sent by the Father who brings the essence of God’s Spirit to everyone:  the graces of love, charity, forgiveness, mercy, peace, deep joy, hope, consolation and wisdom.

 

The challenge to us, of course, is:  which Jesus do we present to the those who greet us on the road to “Jerusalem”?   Which Jesus do people see in us as we journey through life? Do people see, in me, the Jesus who is the political figure who promises a worldly peace and a better way of life here and now?  Do people see, in me, the Jesus who performs miracles?   Takes away worldly suffering?  Do people see, in me, the Jesus who accepts everyone, bestowing the Father’s graces to anyone in need?  Forgiveness to those who need it.  Strength to those who need it.  Hope to those who need it.  Et cetera.

 

Much to ponder as we witness Jesus’ triumphant entry today.

 

Second.  Once again we hear the story of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as he is greeted with love, joy and adulation.  But each year, as we hear it, our minds already know that the glory of his entrance will be replaced by the disgrace of his crucifixion, which, in turn, will be replaced with the true and everlasting glory of his resurrection.

 

The challenge to us, of course, is to see that very same progression in our own lives.  We know that life can change in a second, in a heartbeat.  Without being irreverent, I think of the words in the Sinatra standard That’s Life:   “You’re riding high in April, shot down in May.”  We’re loved one moment, disgraced the next.  We’re living the good life (“La Dolce Vita”) and then suffering takes over.  Do we give up?  Do we give in to despair?  Do we become disillusioned? Do we think God has abandoned us?  Do we lose our faith?  Or do we see God in all things – even during our suffering?  Do we fully embrace the knowledge in our souls that God’s love will always triumph; that God’s love never fails; that nothing can separate us from God; that God has the last word; that all of God’s graces will replace all disgraces?  Do we know in our hearts that Jesus shares his resurrection with us, and that our own resurrection, our own new life, is imminent… if only we believe?

 

Much to ponder as we continue our journey through the Holy Days.

 

 

“Call Me Ishmael”