Passion Play

Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord - Mark 11:9

Two worlds collide and the brutal consequence is betrayal at the meal, betrayal in the garden, betrayal in the courtyard. At times the kingdom of this world seems unstoppable, the vision of the reign of God clouds, and what once seemed unquenchable lies cold and silent. The reading of the passion story is the most poignant judgement upon humanity yet. As we hear this lengthy reading today, and perhaps even participate in it ourselves, it is easy to feel guilty - or foolish, like having cheered for the wrong team.

Throughout the season of Lent we have heard Jesus explain - through metaphor, prophecy, and straight talk - the price of the kingdom of God. Today we see his most eloquent explanation. He empties himself of human power and resists the temptation of using heavenly power to escape the consequences. Jesus, a lamb led to the slaughter. Jesus, a visionary leader cut down in the prime of his ministry. Jesus, the victim of a fickle crowd. Jesus, a friend willing to strep in and take the curse of another upon himself.

Two worlds collide. We are unsettled as we find ourselves aligned with the fickle crowd, the hapless disciples, the speechless bystanders. Perhaps it is simply the nature of human love to be inconstant, temperamental. Fortunately God's love for us does not depend on whims. It cannot be swayed by things that we do or things that we fail to do. God does not bless us in one breath and punish us in the next. God's love for us doesn't change, no matter how capricious our own affection for God tends to be. Thanks be to God for this grace.