I WANT to use the words “radical” and “restful” to describe my reflections on the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ. “Radical”, because it calls for war...engaging the many shallow and superstitious issues that cloud the truth, clarifying between truth and tradition.
Consequently, we have tilted from one extreme to another... tradition void of truth, and truth without time-honored tradition. Secondly, I use the word “Restful” because the event of Palm Sunday cries for spiritual calm...a holy invitation to genuinely worship and encounter Jesus. Amidst the superstitions, we seek authentic spirituality.
Frankly, it’s a radical and yet restful mixture of grace that leads to a much needed transition from just religion to a deep nourishment of our relationship with Abba via Christ, our Lord, and Abba’s beloved.
Let us learn to flow with our frustrations and hopefully, through its currents, find the power of a God-centered faith! As much as we need to be aware of the details, we cry to God to grant us a timely spiritual awakening that will lead us through life beyond the season of lent.
Prayerfully and with an expectant heart, let’s begin our journey...remember, we need less mastery - give way to mystery! Our discourse should somehow allow us to say “I am moving closer to Jesus”.
Here are my radical and restful reflections on the issue:
1. The triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ is a faith-refreshing event that stirred worship and spurned wonder among the people.
The Fulfilled Prophecy of Scriptures is powerful faith-enriching information. Matthew reminded his readers that this event was a fulfilment of Prophecy (Zech. 9:9)...read and discover God’s hand in the twists and turns of life.
The personalized, hands-on experience of the disciples following the Master’s instruction (Luke 19:30-31) was not just routine, this was a sacred encounter with God’s sovereignty streamlined to the ordinary routine of life. Respond in Worship, Release the Wonder!
2. The frustrating response of the people that highlighted numbness and superstition; pomp and politics instead of authentic spirituality and powerlessness.
The disciples obeyed to the letter, and it happened just as Jesus said it would happen but it all ended there! No reflection, no recognition of God’s wonder...frustrating indifference; irritating ignorance, or should I say, sheer arrogance.
All four gospels did not report on the disciples’ response but a spark of hope was presented when John took note that later, they understood the spiritual significance of the event (John 12:16) Surrender our hearts to Jesus...lest we miss the opportunity to Wonder, Wait and Worship!
On impulse, the crowd shouted their praise on the basis of self-gratification. Soon, that same crowd shouted “Crucify him”. I wonder how Jesus must have felt about the indifference of his disciples and the impulsiveness of the crowd. This may have frustrated him too, yet in the midst of legit frustrations, faith moves forward!