Palm Sunday
Readings:
Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 22:14-23:56
Reflection:
We see it throughout history and in our own time. People who are hard done by, or who consider themselves hard done by, seek strong leaders. So it was in Jesus’ time. The people were fed up with Roman occupation, with their own partisan king, Herod and with the internal, self-serving factions that controlled their every waking hour. Jesus had frequently stood up against the status quo, so perhaps he might be the one to send the Romans packing and upend the rest? And he’s coming to Jerusalem for Passover!
But what does he do? Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey to establish his kingdom of peace and create a new world order through his blood.
His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the path strewn with cloaks and branches, will be transient and those who see him as a political agitator and a threat to their own power will seize upon this moment to begin plotting his downfall. And the masses, who cheer him on as King of Israel? They will turn on him and bay for his crucifixion. After all, riding a donkey was not a good look for an all-conquering hero, even though any Jew worth their salt would have made the connection with Solomon, who humbly rode a donkey to his own coronation.
Yes, he will be crowned, but with the thorns of his reign, his sceptre a reed used to beat him, his throne a cross. This is how Christ’s Kingdom, a new world order will be established. The chains of hatred and domination, enemies of God, will be undone. His murderers forgiven out of love. The new King will reign in wisdom, a kingdom where subjects will live in peace, and true happiness…. (see Rom 14:17)
This staggering defeat and disappointment will become the ultimate paradox. The death of Christ will become the gateway to new life. As the disciples on the road to Emmaus will learn, he is with us always.
So, what of us? This week: to walk beside the donkey, to sit in the upper room, to keep watch in the garden, to stand at the foot of the cross, to await the coming of new life, to become again people of the new Covenant, to proclaim through our lives his love in a wounded world.
“Blessed is the coming of our father David’s kingdom! Hosanna highest heaven!”
Brian Norman has been associated with the Passionists in various ways since he was three weeks old when he squared off with Fr Placid Millay CP over the baptismal font at St Brigid’s, Marrickville.