In the middle of Holy Week--the palms from Sunday have wilted, and the hosannas we said are now a memory. Between now and Easter morning we will gather to remember Jesus' last supper and his arrest, trial and crucifixion. Before we get to the celebration of Easter, we will remember that Jesus' disciples deserted him, that both religious and secular authorities will conspire to kill him. We may be in the middle of holy week, but we are still a long way from Easter festivities.
According to Matthew, when Jesus' donkey ride into Jerusalem ended in that holy city, he went into the temple and cured the blind and the lame. But the reaction of the religious insiders was not positive. In fact, Matthew says, they became angry (see Matthew 21:14-15). One might think--or at least hope--that the world would respond to the amazing things Jesus did with great joy. But Jesus' love does have the way of upsetting the powerful, turning things upside-down, and threatening the powers and principalities of the world.
On Palm Sunday I was reminded that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, a very humble beast of burden. His life was one of service, breaking down barriers that divide, and loving even those the world refused to love. His love and his service to the world was so amazing that it filled the powers of the world with fear, and led Jesus to death on a cross.
Someone once noted that it was not hate that killed Jesus. It was love. Sometimes real, barrier breaking, life giving, hope inspiring love does cause some to fear as it works to change the status quo, invites all people to the table of life, seeks justice and power for the dis-enfranchised, and tries to create a world where everyone has enough and no one is left out.
In the middle of Holy Week...what's our love like?
