The Noontimes

Mark 11:1-11: Jesus’ Entry into the World

Monday, March 27, 2023

Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo: Adoration of the Shepherds

As we prepare for the celebration of Easter, we return to some Christmastide meditations from 2011 and we reflect on how the Passion and Easter stories begin in a stable in Bethlehem. 

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.  You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing . . . (Isaiah 9:1-2) The prophet Isaiah anticipates the joy that will come into the world with the birth of the Messiah. We anticipated the coming of the Christmas holiday, expending energy on little details and big decisions. Suddenly, the event is over. Or is it?

In a too-quick, on-to-the-next-thing world, Christmas ends suddenly. In North America, evergreen trees that a few hours ago decorated family rooms with a display of tended ornaments and artificial lights now lie bare at the curbside for recycling. Presents opened and exchanged are nestled into their new places in the hubbub of our lives. Objects stowed, family and friends greeted, back to work until the next holiday. We have waited and shopped and prepared in anticipation for weeks, and now we are tempted to rush on. When we do, we miss the gift and promise of Christmas.

Today’s Noontime takes us to another part of the Christmas story; although we might not see it at first. We find ourselves at the gates of Jerusalem about to enter with the Master.  He sends some of his followers into town in search of a colt he knows is tethered in a particular place. Strangely, the animal is lent; the disciples answered just as Jesus told them to do when bystanders questioned them. The colt is brought, people spread their cloaks on the road and raise leafy fronds as they sing: Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! The gift has been given and now the promise is to be fulfilled. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light . . .

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!”  (Isaiah 52:7) The prophet Isaiah announces with joy the entry of the Messiah. We looked for the coming of the Christmas holiday, offering prayers for big and little petitions. Suddenly, the event is over. Or is it?

In a too-fast, we-are-so-connected world Christmas is over. Cranky relatives have been visited or called; old emotions and arguments boil to the surface to be put back into place. All as it should be until the next occasion. We have thought and reflected in anticipation for some time, and now we are eager to push on; yet if we push on too quickly we miss the true gift and the eternal promise of Jesus’ entry into our lives.

And so we pray . . .

Good and gentle God, you come into our lives as both a vulnerable child and a determined savior.  Help us to linger in this message.  Encourage us to slow down so that we can take your message in.  Abide with us as we sink into the mystery you bring to us of your eternal and always constant love.  We rest in you this day and this night . . . as we ponder the gift of your entry.  Amen. 

Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoration_of_the_Shepherds_%28Murillo,_c.1668%29