God stooped down.
Palm Sunday, just a few days ago we had our own Procession in remembrance of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. That day, 2000 years ago, marked the beginning of Jesus’ final days, walking this earth as fully human. Jerusalem was in turmoil, everyone in the crowd had their own reasons for being there. Some were there for the Passover, some hoping to see a miracle, some simply wanted to get a glimpse of Him, some looking for the opportunity to get rid of him. Some were hoping that this was the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. They had their ideas of how He would arrive; many expected Him to arrive on a white horse, flashing a sword, as the conquering king. Jesus, however demonstrated something totally different, His authentic humility. Yes, a conquering king, riding on a donkey demonstrating His true humility right up to the end. Isn’t it interesting that this was also the day that lambs were selected for Passover? “Lamb Selection Day” (MORE ON THAT LATER)
Jesus in His earthly ministry, with the clarity of BOK Tower’s Carillon Bells made clear who He was, In His “I am” statements in the Gospel of John ring out His identity. “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35); I am the light of the world” (8:12); “I am the gate” (10:9); I am the good shepherd” (10:11); I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25); I am the way, the truth, and the life” (14:16); and “I am the true grapevine” (15:1).
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Christ has Died
Right after we arrived at Sewanee for seminary, they dedicated the brand-new Chapel of the Apostles. It had a beautiful cross at the front. Our New Testament professor, Chris Bryan, bought a beautiful, hand-carved wooden likeness of Jesus, imported from Italy. I happened to be working in the mailroom when it arrived and they opened it to make sure he was ok. It was very lifelike and a little disturbing to see in that pine box.
Professor Bryan wanted a crucifix for Lent. It immediately caused swirling debate. The Anglo-Catholics love a crucifix. The Protestant side of the Church prefers an open cross or Christus Rex as we have. They were furiously arguing in the halls. The Dean wrote a big essay on the history of the crucifix in the Anglican tradition. But that didn’t settle it. It was like we were re-living the Reformation on the spot!
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Dem Dry Bones.
Some years ago, I was at one of my kids’ soccer games. Another parent approached me with a very serious and emotionally charged question.
This man’s mother had died in another state. His sister was handling the arrangements and had shocked him by saying that their mom would be cremated. He hadn’t expected this since their father had been bodily buried, but he wanted to know if this was ok – ok in the sense that would his mother’s place in the Resurrection and her eternal life be affected. This is the kind of question people ask priests at soccer games; mom, eternity, no pressure.
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