What a crowd!

Palm Sunday’s readings unsettle the normal rhythm of the lectionary. I think that is a good thing, as anything a little strange or out of the ordinary causes a ripple to which the reader pays extra attention. So, today, it is worth highlighting that the usual pattern of the lectionary is disrupted. The first reading is a gospel story and, incidentally the text upon which I will focus today. Following this reading is the litany of the passion, the litany of the psalms, a text from the epistles followed by a second long gospel passage.

 

I urge each person reading this blog to spend some time with the litany of the passion, the litany of the Psalms and the longer gospel passage (Luke 22:13 to the end of chapter 23) during the next week — the final week of Passiontide. I would be interested to hear whether it was meaningful to reflect on these longer texts in the days leading up to the Easter events.

 

But today, on this Palm Sunday, I’m going to remain with the first, shorter reading (Luke 19:28-40). It is the story of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem where Jesus rides into the city on a colt with crowds shouting and throwing down their cloaks to protect the young animal’s hooves. 

 

I have attended a few parades in the past. There is always an air of excitement, crowds push forward as they see distant figures and anticipate the approach. There is something about crowds gathering whether it is at fun carnivals, solemn parades honouring royalty or famous dignitaries or more serious protests. They take on a life of their own. People are captured by the excitement of the moment.  The emotions of the crowd supersede and add to the emotions of the individual. 

 

As I read this text, describing in just a few words the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, I can try to imagine a little of the vibrant atmosphere. Yet, I can’t fully enter into the joy of the event portrayed as I know the end of the story. So, my reading is always tinged with sadness. Crowds that are cheering and shouting, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven” (38) will in just a few short days be jeering and shouting, “Crucify, crucify him’ (Luke 23:21).

 

What happened? 

How did cheering turn to jeering?

How did acknowledging Jesus as one from God turn to demanding death and public shame? 

Are human beings really that fickle?

 

I wonder could personal beliefs and public opinion really change that quickly. At both events, could it be that the mass hysteria of the crowd mask the true feelings of the individuals (either pro or against Jesus). I find this a salutary warning on a number of levels.

 

As I ponder the stories, spiritually this final week of Passiontide is an emotional roller-coaster, full of paradoxes; disturbing and inspiring, unsettling and uplifting, sorrowful and joyful, turbulent and peaceful.

 

So, if like for me this week is a bit of a roller-coaster — hold on tight, the ride is about to begin!