Palm Sunday

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” [That which was cried out by those who observed Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of his last week on earth.]

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [The Collect we pray this coming Sunday.]

It never ceases to captivate and overwhelm me when I consider Israel’s coming “King” riding into the City—His City—on a donkey, to the praises and acknowledgement of the crowds. Jesus’ “entry” into Jerusalem was meant to communicate the city’s deliverance from oppression—oppression perpetrated by the enemies of God’s justice. In the ancient world, this procession was meant to proclaim the victory of God over the enemies of God’s people—similar to Miriam’s procession after the drowning of Pharaoh and his army.

However, that is not how this procession ends. The coming King does not take his seat on a throne in Jerusalem—but rather is hung on a cross—seemingly defeated. But the unexpected happens—something new breaks into the world. The shame and torture of crucifixion—the sure sign that Rome was still in charge—was drained of its power as the Rabbi from Nazareth hung that afternoon. And for those with “eyes to see” he transformed the Cross into a Throne—ruling from there and showing to all who would listen the truth of our Collect, that walking in the way of the cross is none other than the way of life and peace.

I look forward to celebrating the victory of our donkey-riding King this Sunday! See you then!