Holy Week Musings

Good Morning Lenten Trekkers,

Well, here we are…what a week it’s been and it’s only Wednesday. I’m still reeling in from the excitement and celebrations from Sunday’s parade. I just love a good parade! A bit curious though…Not sure why Jesus came in riding that donkey; couldn’t the disciples at least find a strong steed to carry him into the city? After all, I’m told he’s our only hope. He’s the one who will save us from our enemies; restore our nation to its rightful power. And all they could find was a donkey? And why the humble robe of a peasant? Where was his royal robe; his golden crown? I just wanted him to look good if anyone dare to compare him to Pilate and his entourage…you know, the strong steed; the rich, flowing robe; that huge crown upon his head…

But there’s something about this Jesus, in his humbleness, his facial expressions, those haunting eyes…ah, I’m really taken in by those eyes…window to a person’s soul; being able to look deep within and somehow know he’s different, this Jesus. He may not be what we were expecting, but I have a feeling he’s something way more than we can ever imagine…

Did you hear about what he did a couple of days ago? It seems the day after the parade Jesus and his friends went to the Temple and when they found it all abuzz with money changers and hustlers…seems he went a bit ballistic…took a whip and cracked it over and over again; turned the sellers tables over; all the while shouting something about how they had turned the holy place of worship into a marketplace, a den of thieves! Such a display of anger! At least he lets us know what he’s thinking…

And then just last evening when he debated his harshest critics. There were many who tried to discredit his teachings. But he never backed down. He simply shared his beliefs from his heart and mind…no, more like his very soul...

And so here we are on the morning of this new day. Rumor has it that Jesus’ dear friend Judas has become a bit disenchanted with Jesus. Perhaps disillusioned or maybe it’s nothing more than impatience with his friend whom he truly believes can change the world with his power and presence. Yet he thinks that Jesus needs to kick his ministry and mission up a notch…display his true power and his true identity…lest they all be killed...

Word on the street is that Judas is really struggling with how to get Jesus to take over and end the oppression…maybe if he forces his hand a bit…if he tries to draw him into a scenario that will force Jesus to quit dragging his feet and stand up to all the ruthless leaders whose power has gone to their heads…Maybe…

Well, tomorrow is the Passover; “the night that is different from all other nights;” when all faithful Jews gather to remember the Exodus from Egyptian slavery. That’s why it’s so crowded here in the city; there must be millions of us here…but there’s a bit of tension in the air…more than the usual brought about by the Roman soldiers…could it be that Jesus is in the midst of a great power play with the authorities? Maybe the greatest ever so far? Could it be that his life is really on the line? Could his mission be coming to an abrupt halt? Why can’t we celebrate the Passover in peace? Why can’t this be a time for “business as usual?”

Hmmmm…looks like there’s a back room deal going on…heard the payoff is 30 pieces of silver…for simply letting the authorities know of a place and time later in the week-- away from the crowds…after the Passover meal; where they can quietly take this Jesus down to the station for, you know, just a little interview…

It’s so unsettling…just who IS this Jesus? Maybe he’s not what we were expecting after all…but I have a feeling he’s something way more than we can ever imagine…

Blessings, Joanne