On Palm Sunday we celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and we hear the narrative of the Passion. Alex Hale, SJ, reminds us that in the joyful celebration of Palm Sunday, we can’t forget the work that is left to be done, including in our own hearts. Based on the readings for Sunday, April 2, 2022.
Accept the anxiety of feeling in suspense and incomplete.
Hi, I’m Alex Hale and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
I imagine Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the donkey experiencing both the joy of the people in front of him and the words of the psalmist saying “all who see me scoff at me”. The praise might have seemed shallow knowing that in a few short days there’d be no joy at seeing him, only despair and aversion.
We can be drawn to stay in the rejoicing, take our palm branches and forget what happens the rest of this week until Easter. However, even on this day of joyful entry into Jerusalem we can’t forget what’s going to happen.
We can’t pretend that the resurrection comes without the cross and we can’t pretend that the coming of the king into our hearts won’t call us to uncomfortable change and sacrifice. Jesus’ work is not done yet with your heart.
Accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.
