Palm/Passion Sunday

Next Sunday, March 28, we will observe Palm/Passion Sunday, the day that commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and begins what we call Holy Week, the time of remembering the last days of Jesus’ earthly life. His three-year journey was nearing the end. He had been preparing to make this important move. Entering the city of Jerusalem during the Feast of the Passover brought attention to his mission as the Messiah. The crowd who greeted him expected a Messiah who would free them from Roman occupation. But he came as a suffering servant, not as the expected king. As the week progressed, the cries of “Hosanna” heard on that Sunday would change to “Crucify him!”

The days of Jesus’ last week included confrontation, agonizing prayer, betrayal by one of his own, his arrest, trial, and finally the horrible crucifixion. But the traditional religious observance of Passover, Jesus’ last meal with his disciples in the “upper room” and his final words to them are what we remember as most significant. That night, Jesus transformed the traditional Seder meal into a sacrament that became more than a memorial meal; it became a symbolic reminder of the sacrifice that he was willing to make. Bread and cup became symbols of his body and blood, broken and shed, and of the depth of God’s love. Love was at the center of all that Jesus did and taught. During that last gathering with his disciples he shared insights that would continue to guide those who believe in him and seek to be his followers: “Love one another as I have loved you. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (See John 13-14.) These words still challenge those who seek to be his followers today.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter and the transforming power of God’s love, may we ponder the meaning of both Jesus’ words and actions, so that we may commit to living the kind of love he so clearly demonstrated on the cross and beyond.

“Googling God”

One of the distinct advantages of living in this technological age is that whenever you have a question or desire more information about anything, answers are just a click away! All you have to do is “Google it” (or use a search engine of your choice.) If you were to Google “God,” for example, the response would yield an astounding 549 million results. As strange and impersonal as it may seem many people are looking for a deeper understanding of God through this means. However, while most information garnered from the internet may be reliable and informative, I have discovered that you can’t believe everything you find there. Meaningful faith in God just isn’t formed through gathering information, but through a personal relationship that results in transformation.

The greatest challenge facing the first century apostles was to proclaim the good news of what God had done through Jesus Christ. They had a story to tell that was not only history, but it was their story –- a personal story of how their lives had been transformed by Jesus Christ.

Through every century, persons have sought a deeper understanding of God’s existence. Some have even demanded, “Show me proof.” The greatest proof is not found through sources such as the internet or any other sophisticated pursuit of theology, but through personal experience and contact with those whose lives have been transformed by God’s grace and love revealed through Jesus Christ. The proof rests in the Christ-like actions of believers who seek to continue what Jesus did and taught through daily acts of love.

The Lenten Journey: Practices and Destination

I grew up in a faith community where there was much talk about “giving up” something for Lent. Giving up something is supposed to remind us of the sacrifice of Christ. Sometimes this discipline can be rich with meaning. Lenten disciplines can even prompt a healthier lifestyle. Some folks even give up personal indulgences such as chocolate and/or other favorite treats.

As a part of my Lenten observance in the past I too, have “given up” things by denying myself desserts and soft drinks. This year however, rather than “giving up” something, I decided to “take up” something. As a part of this year’s Lenten journey I have chosen to practice with more intentionality the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study. I have also “taken up” the development of a Lenten course that I will be leading later this month. The preparation for this presentation, A Journey Called Lent has provided me with incentive to study and reflect on the spiritual practices of Lent, revisit Jesus’ journey, and consider the meaning of theological concepts unique to the Lenten season. Repentance, forgiveness, redemption and atonement are high on the list.

Focusing on Lenten practices engages us in pondering the meaning and mystery of faith and provides us with the opportunity to embrace the message of what lies at the heart of Christianity. John’s gospel expressed the good news this way: “God so loved the world that he gave his only son… (John 3:16)

The season of Lent is a journey toward Easter. So where does the journey lead us? Ultimately it leads to the cross of Calvary. Whatever else the season of Lent may include, it is a time to deal with the reality of the crucifixion and to discern its meaning for our lives. Then we can complete the journey in faith and claim the joy of Easter.