ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 30, 2023
Everyone likes a parade. Well, almost everyone. I can remember two parades in which the high school marching band participated despite bitterly cold temperatures and drizzle. Yes, I was in that band. Trying to play a saxophone with chattering teeth is not an easy thing to do. But as miserable as I was, looking at the sparse crowd along the route (mainly family members of those in the parade), it was quite apparent that they were even more miserable. On that Palm Sunday, I believe everyone was having a wonderful time. Well, almost everyone. The crowd was enthusiastic, and I can imagine how the disciples loved all the attention. But I’m going to suggest that Jesus was not grinning from ear to ear. I have no proof, just a hunch. He was riding a donkey, a counter-symbol to the Roman leader who had just entered Jerusalem at the main gate riding a majestic stallion. He came into Jerusalem through the side gate, headed not to a place of prestige and safety but to a cross. Everyone likes a parade. Well, almost everyone.
Great God, call me to engage the week that lies ahead. Invite me to enter the parade with the understanding that it will lead me to a place where cheering crowds are no longer found and there might be those who wish to squelch my message of love. Amen.
