Gospel: Luke 19:28-40
Here we are again, hearing the words of scripture as we imagine the sight of Jesus entering into Jerusalem sitting on a beast of burden, a colt of a donkey.
We have heard in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and John scenes
Like this: Matthew-“While some laid their cloaks on the road others cut branches from the trees and put them on the road”. In Mark-“Many people spread their cloaks on the road and others spread leafy branches that they had cur from the fields”. In John-The great crowd that were at the feast in Bethany heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him”.
We hear of Jesus riding on a colt of a donkey- a sign of humility, and of course many of the Jews saw Jesus as their savior, one who would free them from the tyranny of the Romans. With all these themes, with all that is going on, I am struck by Luke’s account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
What did we hear? Or should I say, “what did we not hear?” “The people were spreading their cloaks on the road”, no mention of palms, no mention of branches, just the cloaks.
You see, the cloak to people back in that time was a piece of clothing that was their protection from the wind, the flying sand, the rays of the hot sun, the bitter cold of the night. The cloak was their protection, their security, their safety. In a sense, maybe you can see some of those who put their cloaks on the road for Jesus to pass over was their way of saying, yes, Jesus, I place my trust in you. You are y protection, my safety, my security.
In This year of Mercy, what does your cloak mean to you and what has become your cloak? Is it worldly possessions, stature, position, authority, or is your cloak, your protection and security in Jesus who is Mercy in the flesh? Are we able to through off our cloaks of despair, of pain, of suffering and place our security, our very trust in Jesus?
During this Holy Week, let us allow ourselves to throw off our cloaks that hold us back from a deeper relationship with Jesus. We have Jesus to walk with us through our life’s trials and our life’s good times. Let this most Holy week of our Christian tradition transform us and bring us that relationship that Jesus is offering each one of us.
As we take these palms into the church, waive them high above your heads as to say “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest”. Have a blessed Holy Week!