Rector's Sermon - Palm Sunday, March 24, 2002

First Reading	Epistle	The Passion of Our Lord, Jesus Christ
Isaiah 50:4-9a	Philippians 2:5-11	Matthew 26:36, 27:66

      They had hoped so much in Jesus. Recently things hadn't gone quite the way they had anticipated, but the entrance into Jerusalem seemed to signal a change in the air. The momentum seemed to shift in Jesus' favor. People coming for Passover were interested in learning more about this rabbi from Galilee. They began cheering, joining the procession and thronged the parade. Palms, traditionally used to represent the tree of life and used by the prophet Isaiah as a symbol of royal authority, began waving in the air. "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of David." The shouts rose high off the stone buttresses of the city's walls, reverberating through the streets and up into the windows of the governor. It looked as if Jesus would not be cheated of his triumph after all. Yes it had indeed been a long, often frustrating struggle, but now "all glory, laud, and honor!" Even the very stones along the road seemed poised to cry out.

      Then, almost imperceptible at first, the crowd thinned and dispersed into the city. Fewer came back the next day and the day after that. Support dropped off, receding eerily to the shadows. Jesus and his followers were isolated, shunned, and then attacked. At first, it seemed another disappointing setback after so much promise, but then the situation became more ominous. Those who had gathered, jeered instead of cheered, and offered malicious threats instead of impassioned arguments.

      The seder in the upper room, traditionally a joyous occasion, was somber. The air was heavy, as if weighted down by everyone deep in thought. There was no laughter, and little talking except the proscribed ritual of the seder. When Jesus added “Take, eat; this is my body. Drink, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me", the sense that this was the last supper was more than a faint premonition in the background.

      Within twenty four hours, all scant hope was shattered. One trusted disciple betrayed him, another denied him, and all the rest scattered for safety. Defenseless, Jesus was condemned and died on the cross.

      As we listen to the passion story, all sorts of questions occur. Was Jesus a success? Did his words and ministry make a difference? Did Jesus do enough to insure that his intentions would be followed or at least could be discovered or reclaimed by a community of faith in the generations to come? In a sense all these and similar questions are still yet be decided, for they are asked of all who wish to remember this day. That's the underlying tension we inherent from the Passion story. As the Passion asks the questions, it clearly reveals only one thing: Jesus loved.

        And I offer this to you on the Sunday of the reading of the Passion of our Jesus Christ, Amen