Not THAT Kind of Savior
We already know how Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem turns out. We know that the same people who cheered him with loud “Hosannas” on the way in, were shouting “Crucify him!” just a few days later.
So, we miss what a celebration it must have been. We hear the story in the shadow of what is to come, but those folks in Jerusalem at that time knew nothing but hope and promise. Here was the great teacher who challenged their hypocritical religious leaders. Here is the one who would never sell out to those accursed Romans, like so many others. Here’s the one to finally lead the rebellion that would throw out the Romans, restore the sanctity of the Temple and the glory of Israel.
For the oppressed, the poor, the downtrodden, it must have been a heady time. But they were missing something. Jesus would not be that sort of leader. Perhaps they missed the symbolism of Jesus on the foal of a donkey and not on a warhorse? Following Jesus would not mean a military victory or an end to oppression. But the news is actually far better.
The problem with political or military solutions to our problems is that they never last. There will always be another problem, a different administration, more greed, and promising solutions inevitably become bloated bureaucracies.
In reality, the only solution that really carries is through is the one that Jesus offers. It is not the quick and easy solution. But it is the life restored to its creator. It is a life lived under the cross of Christ, knowing that the Resurrection is our promise! Life lived in His service and for His Kingdom makes facing the other problems possible and carries us through to an end that does not depend on the vicissitudes of life but the eternal changeableness of God. That’s something to celebrate!
This column appeared in the March 25, 2018 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.
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