PALM SUNDAY/SUNDAY OF THE PASSION
April 2, 2023
“From Adoration to Hatred”
. . . They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:7-10)
The Gospel of Mark paints a vivid picture of the events that mark the beginning of Holy Week for Christians around the world. We read that crowds of people are in Jerusalem to observe Passover, and as Jesus enters the city riding on the back of a donkey, he is hailed as the Promised One, the Savior and Messiah, who will return Israel to power and prestige.
It’s easy to visualize the days that follow as a time of basking in the glow of the welcoming cheers, and a positive, celebratory atmosphere permeating the city. Jesus is telling parables, healing the sick and disabled, and spending time with his disciples. As the first day of Passover arrives, Jesus and his disciples gather for a simple meal of bread and wine, later going to the garden of Gethsemane, where he spends time in close, intimate prayer with his Father.
The quiet of the evening is torn apart by the arrival of a large crowd, armed and ready to arrest Jesus. He is taken to the high priest, then handed over to Pontius Pilate, the governor. And just like that, celebration has turned to condemnation, and the praise and cheers of the impromptu parade fade away like the palms along the roadway.
As our congregation gathers for this service of worship, we step into the role of the crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. We carry palm leaves, and sing “All Glory, Laud and Honor,” celebrating the arrival of the promised One of God. It’s a joyful, exciting story, but, of course, we are well aware of the harsh reality of what lies ahead. As the account continues, telling of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion, those of us sitting in the pews have the uncomfortable task of speaking the words of the mob gathered at the “trial” of Christ. As Pilate asks which prisoner to release, we call out for Barabbas, a thief and violent criminal to be freed. And when he asks how to punish Jesus, a man who has committed no crime, we shout for him to be crucified — several times. Saying those hateful, vicious words, I feel guilt wash over me, along with the realization that my sins and the sins of all people are the burden Christ took to the cross, where he made the ultimate sacrifice for every one of us.
As we follow our Lenten journey through Holy Week, we once again experience our Lord’s ministry, his faithful obedience to his father’s will, and his sacrifice for all humanity. And as we listen quietly, we’ll hear the words of hatred and witness the act of love.
Thoughtful and prayerful this week,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers