Riding On A Donkey

For many who claim Christianity as their own, unfettered joy is one emotion discoverable in Palm Sunday writings and liturgy. The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey of all things was stiff cause for celebration. His entrance is often described as “Triumphal,” though gossip was quickly afoot that both man and myth were present and that expectations were elevated. After all, it was the season of Passover, spirits were high, and the community responded accordingly with news of Jesus presence.

How fortunate it is that Holy Week scriptures and commentary are not delivered nor defined solely by the media standards and technology of today. Imagine the conspiracy theories that would abound or the international intrigue that would be generated. And as each theory was proven false, another would quickly take its place. Has such foolish belief and distrust in almost everything really come to define our culture and perhaps our nation? It serves as partial indictment for a faith that claims to be focused on redemptive love.

Unlike citizens of Jerusalem saving palm branches and laying garments on the path to ease His way, observers today might dismiss Jesus active presence entirely, turning a joyful event into something dark and sinister. The argument would be that they are misled or coerced or done in by nefarious individuals working for shadowy elements. What nonsense! Is that our true nature as presumed innocents of the Kingdom? Surely we can do better. Be informed as religious consumers and know what you are being fed then respond accordingly with actions borne of individual conscience and good faith.

There will always be con artists in religion and in every day life, including those who would claim sole ownership of theological truth. Don’t be victimized either as individuals or congregations. Listen to the Easter message anew this year, correlating what you know or learned growing up with present scholarship. While much of what we embrace will be reaffirmed there is also room for startling elements to emerge interpretations and revelation spurred by life experience. The Field of theology has always lagged behind other academic disciplines, according to some. Is it that intimidating? What if we don’t get it right? There is a lot at stake and passions run high.

A little humor can’t hurt. While Pilate is marshaling his troops to join him in Jerusalem to face this upstart presumed King of the Jews, irony is not lost in the image of Pilate on a steed accustomed to war approaching from one direction while Jesus appears on the back of a donkey making his entrance from an opposite path. My money is on the donkey.

The conspiracy in that moment, if one is to be found, was that Jesus died because of his commitment to a more compassionate Kingdom to which humankind was graciously invited. It’s a tough invite to turn down. Wouldn’t it simply be easier to go through the Easter motions once a year instead of truly challenging ourselves to a different way of living? We have choices as we move forward from Holy Week regarding how our participation will manifest itself in our lives and the lives of our communities in the coming year. I am hopeful. (kf)

(“Christ Upon the Donkey (1520) Art in the Christian Tradition with permission)