Preparing for Palm Sunday Part Two

 

When we last left Jesus, he was drenched and dripping with perfume.  This always makes me think of walking through a cosmetic department where the air is thick with competing smells.  Perfume can linger and leave a lasting aroma.

 

The very next day, when Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey to the shouts of “Hosanna”, I wonder if he still smelled like Chanel No. 5?  I wonder if he could still smell the perfume in his hair or on his clothes?  When he rode past did the chants and cries of the crowd turn to a few coughs like I do when I walk through Dillard’s or Macy’s?  Jesus is anointed, just as a king would be anointed before ascending to the throne.  Jesus rides a humble donkey, just as David did in the Old Testament and Zechariah predicted would be a sign of God’s hope to the people. 

 

Remember, Jesus is arriving at the holiest city in his faith, Jerusalem, at one of the holiest times of year, the Passover.  The people are retelling the narrative of how God’s liberating love set free their ancestors who were oppressed in Egypt.  The people retell the story about how Moses came persisting and insisting that Pharoah, “Let God’s people go!”  This wasn’t just a trip down memory lane.  For our Jewish brothers and sisters God’s love is still liberating us today.  It didn’t take calling in Sherlock Holmes to see how the story of Moses’s day was still the story of Jesus’ day.  People in Jesus day knew well how Caesar oppressed people, just as Pharoah did.  This is why Rome would send extra soldiers, authorities would be on high alert, and why the religious leaders disapproved of Jesus’ political theater bringing more unwanted attention from Rome.  In the book, “The Last Week,” Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan say that as Jesus was coming in the back gate from Bethany, Roman authorities were coming in the front gate to Jerusalem with their own parade of power.  Roman officials on their stallions saying essentially to the people, “Remember who is in charge here.  Have your nice festival, but don’t get any ideas about rising up wanting liberation or freedom, because we know what to do with people who don’t stay in their lane.”

 

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

 

On Sunday, we will pray, sing, and cry, “Hosanna” (which means, “Save us.”), because we still long for God’s liberating love to unbind us and set us free.  See the connection to Lazarus?  Hosanna, save us from that which hurts and harms us.  Save us from ways we hurt and harm others – family or friends or strangers.  Save us from the ways we hurt and harm ourselves.  Save us from a world that clings to might makes right and redemptive violence and revenge.  Save us leaders who “other” people to score points with their base.  Save us from believing too much in our own biases and points of view (rather than accepting we all have a view from a point).

 

Hosanna, Save us, is not just a prayer for Palm Sunday, but every day.  Where does that word we will shout and sing on Sunday connect with you today?  I invite you to take a piece of paper, crayons, and write the word, “Hosanna” in large letters right in the middle of the page.  Use all the colors of the crayon box!  Then around the word, write what you need saving from.  Perhaps something that is causing you stress and strain ~ physically or emotionally or relationally or spiritually.  The troubles in the world that sits heavy on your heart ~ Ukraine, homelessness, prejudice, and polarization.  Perhaps there is an abiding anger that simmers to a slow boil in your heart that causes you to have outburst of yelling or anxiety or fear caught in your throat. 

Whisper the word with me, “Hosanna.”

Say the word to your soul, “Hosanna”

Say the word to your family and friends, “Hosanna”

Say the word to Sarasota and Bradenton and our community, “Hosanna”!

Say the word to a world that still needs a Savior, “Hosanna”.

May you and I continue to prepare our hearts for Sunday when we begin our holiest week.  Amen.