Holy Week 2009
I encouraged clergy I know here in Kentucky to
make time to write their own account of Holy week. Holy Week According to
Michael D, a modern follower.
Saturday
I
like the city. Jesus
wanted to go to Jerusalem for Passover. We had
been there for the festival two years ago. Even then it was dangerous for the
rabbi to be in the city. He had not been preaching and teaching long back then,
and there were people that wanted him silenced. I like the city. I've been
following Jesus most of my adult life. When I first joined the group following
him the message was more practical than of late. Jesus talked more about God
than he does now. Something has happened to the rabbi. Lately, he speaks more
of what happens when he is not here. He says it will happen in Jerusalem. I
asked, "Why are we going there?" I like the city, but can celebrate Passover
anywhere. if it is dangerous for the rabbi and for his followers why
go?
Jesus sent two of our group to
get a donkey for him to ride into the city. For some reason he wants a dramatic
entrance. Two other disciples went into the city to arrange a parade of sorts.
As we near the city gate people are gathering. Some have palms. Some take off
their coats and throw them in the road as we pass. There are shouts, "Hosanna.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." Do they think Jesus is
some kind of king? Maybe he is and I have not been listening? The crowd is
loud, but the Romans just watch. We are not a threat. They know it and we know
it. Their steel is sharper and better made than our swords, small knives and
spears. After a nice parade we go back to
Bethany.
Monday
Jesus
is more quiet than ever. He has stopped joking with us, and telling us teaching
stories. When he does teach with stories they are dark, death centered. It is
like he expects to be killed. Doesn't he know that we won't allow them near
him. Doesn't he know that we would carry him away from that kind of trouble? A
couple of the group have begun reading the scriptures thinking they will find
some reason for Jesus' behavior. They read Isaiah and chant Psalms. They argue
over what the scriptures mean and why Jesus is acting this way. They include
some of us, but I keep silent. Don't they remember he was like this last year,
but we were not in Jerusalem.
Many
people want to see and talk to Jesus. Some Greeks come to visit and Jesus talks
with them. Jesus answers them with strange words, "Those who love their life
lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal
life." Judas is asking more questions and is gone more than ever. He asks me
to go into the city with him to find a place for us to celebrate the Passover.
I agree. It is a nice room, and big enough for us all to fit. No one will be
turned away and it is in a safe neighborhood for us.
Filed Tue - April 7, 2009, 12:58 PM in
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