Passion Sunday
Today's lessons offer us a conflict. Those marching with palms will hear
the story of the triumphant march into Jerusalem that characterizes Palm
Sunday. On the other hand today's Gospel is the story of Christ's trial,
crucifixion, and death.
As usual I look to the accompanying lessons for perspective. Isaiah is
strong in the knowledge that whatever charges and abuse may be heaped
upon him his spiritual being is kept safe by his God. In similar fashion
the Psalmist says that when even his friends and neighbours are afraid
to be associated with him for fear of the harm they may come to, God
will not desert him. On the other hand our Epistle counsels against
self-righteousness. We may not face ridicule and persecution because of
our faith but we should remember the humble faith of those who did and
do face even martyrdom for their faith who in the face of such
persecution provided their strongest witness.
Jesus was dispatched because he was perceived as a terrorist. His Spirit
could not be contained in the grave and he rose again. Whether or not
you want to hang the sins of the world round his neck as a scapegoat it
is his divinity we celebrate. God in the person of the Son is the light
of the world that nothing can dim. His spirit is eternal and burned
bright at Pentecost.
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