Today we celebrate Palm Sunday which commemorates the triumphant
entry of Jesus into Jerusalem just before his most cruel and agonizing torture
and death of the cross. On Palm Sunday the people gave him a rousing welcome
like a king, waving palms and shouting “Hosanna”, but just a few days later
those very people who exalted him turned against him and turned him over to the
Romans to be killed in the cruelest way one can imagine – crucifixion.
Why did those people suddenly change,
from loving to hate Jesus? Why did Jesus allow himself to be treated like a
king knowing well the same people will turn against him and demand for his
death?
When I was young Palm Sunday was an
enjoyable event, waking up early and rushing to get hold of the best palms,
wave them and go I in procession. I was just like the crowd who welcomed Jesus
into Jerusalem 2000 years ago.
But today many years later, after
going through the arduous journey in life, that historic journey of Jesus into Jerusalem
means much more than waving palms and singing “Hossana”. It is a solemn reminder that life is full of thorns
not roses and we must be prepared to stand up against all the injustices and
pains in life.
Jesus knew he will be persecuted and
killed but yet he went through that journey willingly with great courage. Do we
have that courage to face up to all the injustices, pains and persecutions in
our life to uphold truth? In being righteous, our own children may go against
us,siblings and closest friends may leave us but will we crumble under such pressure?
Yes, the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
is a symbol of courage to even facing a cruel and most unjust death. To each
one us too who claim to follow him, it is all about courage to do the right even
in the most unjust and painful situation. It is about courage to stand up for
our principles against all forms of insult especially if it comes from the ones
you loved and trusted most.
In our family, our places of work, our
church and our country, we face injustice. We witness the good and righteous
being ‘persecuted’ but the bad facilitated and enjoying the company of those in
power. The temptations of greed, power,wealth and lust are real to which many succumb.
Do we have the courage to say ‘No’
to these evil and continue to remain steadfast to our principles of truth and
righteousness? If not we would be been just like the crowd that welcomed Jesus
only to abandon him when he needed them most.
Have a blessed Holy Week
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