The Sunday of the Passion

Dear Friends,

On Palm Sunday, two kingdoms crash violently into one another. One is the kingdom of earthly power: that might-makes-right, survival-of-the-fittest dominance that pushes others down to get ahead. The other is God’s kingdom: the way of unwavering, self-giving love that willingly lays down power to lift others up.

There’s a whipsaw quality to it all. Jesus rides into Jerusalem to cries of “Hosanna!” and we hope, if just for a moment, that the world will receive her true king with joy. But the shouts quickly turn to “Crucify him!” Then we ache for our Lord who longed to gather all Jerusalem to himself, as a hen gathers beloved chicks under her wings. We come to understand that we play a part in this heartbreak, too.

It’s an apt beginning to Holy Week, as we journey with Jesus through his final hours with his disciples; through his betrayal, trial and suffering; and, on Friday, to the cross. Holy week at Bethesda is not about being morose. It’s about entering into the drama of Christ’s love for each of us. We walk this path with Jesus as best we can so we might know him more, love him more, and be made more like him. As we do, Easter takes on a whole new depth and power. Because friends, at the end of this clash, God’s glorious kingdom of love triumphs over every evil.

Christ’s peace,

The Rev. Susan Beebe