“A Time of Transition”
Based upon Mark 11:1-11
On this last Sunday in Lent, we herald in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as the liberator, riding upon the back of a colt. The people cried out with joy loud Hosannas, “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!” Many believed that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived to free them from the tyranny of Roman rule. Jesus has come to establish a new kingdom, a new Jerusalem for the people of Israel.
And as this Sunday ushers in the beginning of Holy Week we join with Jesus in the unfolding of the Passion Story.
While it is difficult to move so quickly from joy to sorrow; the symbolism of the palms you have received folded into a cross helps us to make this transition possible. The palms become a symbol of letting go, as we witness Christ letting go of this world.
The Gospel of Mark, chapter 11 describes what Jesus's final moments after being welcomed as the triumphant One. “Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.” Jesus stops to take one final look at the Temple, the center of life and community for the Jewish people. And perhaps in that moment, he reminisces about his life upon this earth. Perhaps he thinks of his parents, and back to the time his parents found him in the temple as a boy after realizing that he was missing- that he was not with them in the caravan trip home from worship at the Temple. Perhaps he thinks about all that had come to pass, and that which he knew was yet to come. Jesus takes one final look around: as if to say goodbye, then departs for Bethany, to be in the presence of his beloved friends.
Many of us who have moved in our lifetime, probably have experienced similar feelings. As we leave our home for the last time, we take a look around. We think of all the memories made here, then shut the door, feeling somewhat saddened as we walk away. Life is full of transitions. It is full of changes. And with these changes our emotions arise. And it is okay, for it is part of being human.
As we move into the sorrow of the Passion story and the events of Holy Week, God’s steadfast love for us does not let us go. It is Love that is expressed in the scripture readings we will hear: a message of sacrificial love.
For no greater love has ever been shown than the love of Christ who died for our sins upon that old rugged cross. God’s only begotten son is here to liberate us, to free us, and to help us walk the path of spiritual holiness having set us free from the powers of sin and death. And as we walk with Jesus on that lonely road to Calvary, let us be reminded that we never walk alone in facing the hardships which life may bring us. Christ walks with us.
Let us place our trust in Him, knowing that death cannot defeat us, for we are washed clean in the blood of Christ and reconciled our God, Elohim, who is forever faithful.
Would you pray with me:
Gracious Lord and Savior, we thank you for the gift of sacrificial love. You took upon yourself our pain and bore our suffering. You were pierced for our transgressions; crushed for our iniquities. Your punishment has brought us peace. And by your wounds we are healed. Guide us in your ways for the sake of all of humanity- for the sake of peace with justice, to share Your love and Good News to all we meet. In your holy name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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