Reflections on Palm Sunday (year B) from “First Impressions”

Processional Gospel: Mark 11: 1-10 or John 12: 12-16
Isaiah 50: 4-7   Philippians 2: 6-11   Mark 14:1- 15:47

By Jude Siciliano, O.P.

Today we have Mark’s passion narrative. We have been hearing Mark’s gospel since Advent of this liturgical year (B). In the beginning of the gospel, John the Baptist was turned over to Herod, who gave into the pressure of others, and had him killed (6:26). Early in Jesus’ ministry Pharisees and Herodians plotted to destroy him too. Jesus predicted his death three times in the course of the gospel (8:31, 9:31, 10:33--34). In Mark’s the disciples are particularly dense, and they do not understand what Jesus is saying.

Mark’s passion narrative begins close to Passover. In the tense atmosphere, a woman admirer of Jesus symbolically prepares for his death by anointing his body for burial. Meanwhile, the leaders are plotting with a disciple about his death (14: 1 – 11). Mark describes Jesus’ death using scriptural quotes about God’s righteous servant put to death by evil forces.For example, he interprets Jesus’ death in terms of Isaiah’s “Suffering Servant.” This servant is faithful to God while being tortured, mocked and killed (Is. 42:1--4; 49: one-- 7; 50:4--11). Meanwhile, the rulers of the world do not understand the identity of the one they are killing.

What can we say after journeying with Jesus during his last days of suffering and death? True discipleship comes through the suffering symbolized by the cross. In Mark’s narrative there are no human supports at the cross, just God alone. We disciples are totally dependent on God. Jesus does not abandon his cross, and so salvation comes to us by our acceptance of his cross.

Some critics have reacted negatively to Mark’s stark narrative of Jesus in Gethsemane. Some well-intended readers have noted that Jesus’ sorrow, even terror as he faced death, was because he shank from all the evil due to sin in the world. Others say, Mark really was describing Jesus’ reaction to death as he prayed, “Father all things are possible to you, take this cup away from me….” Mark’s passion begins on a somber note, and the darkness grows more intense as we move on to Jesus’ death. He receives no support from his followers and he dies alone. Jesus is very much on his own these last hours of his life as he tells them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death” (14:34). Mark’s telling of the passion is different from the other evangelists. In even harsh language, he stresses the totality of abandonment by even those closest to Jesus. For example, note the disciple (?) who flees naked from the garden, when Judas and the armed guard come to take Jesus. He is symbolic of the disciples who left family and property to follow Jesus, but now cannot wait to flee the scene.

This passion narrative is long and detailed. For this writing, we cannot examine each section. But as an overview, we note how severe and multilayered were Jesus’ last hours: he was abandoned by those closest to him; betrayed by one of them; rejected by the crowd that favored a murderer; mocked by the religious leaders, the Roman soldiers, and those around the cross; enveloped by darkness, and even seemed to be forsaken by God. But God vindicated Jesus: the veil in the sanctuary was torn in two at Jesus’ death, standing for the end of the old order. Now God has a new temple in the Son who will draw to himself both Jews and Gentiles.

There is one person at the foot of the cross, who sees what others, including those closest to Jesus, miss. Even the women kept a safe distance from Christ on the cross. But a Roman centurion is there as well. He looks on the dying, crucified victim and declares what others miss, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” In all of Mark’s Gospel he is the only person to come to this insight. Not just him, but us too, who have been hearing this gospel from its opening, “Here begins the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (1:1). Now we have come to the fuller message of the gospel, the cross, as we await the resurrection.

Mark’s Gospel seems to have been written for Roman Christians who had undergone severe trials and martyrdom. As they heard this gospel, they would have come to believe that suffering and defeat were not the last word, but an opportunity to embrace the cross and follow Jesus, just as we are invited to do. The German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was killed by the Nazis, warned of “cheap grace,” if we do not take seriously the gravity of sin, or the call to servanthood. We disciples of Christ are called to follow and die with him; to die to sin and self. This week in its entirety must also be kept in focus, for Christ’s death and the subsequent despair of his disciples are not the end of the story. The full story is revealed on Sunday morning when Christ defeated death and was raised to new life. What was an ending, was also an occasion for a new beginning. We will draw parallels from our lives this week with Christ’s suffering and we will also experience the transforming power of our God who raises the dead to new life.

Who and where are we in Mark’s passion narrative? Are we with the disciples who cannot accept a suffering Messiah? Or, are we with the Centurion, who sees the truth of the moment. Probably we are both. Perhaps we too easily identify with the frail disciples. But with them, on Easter Sunday, we have the promise they heard at the empty tomb from the young man dressed in white: “Go now, and tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee, where you will see him, just as he told you’” (16:7)

FAITH BOOK

Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run.

From today’s Processional Gospel reading Mark 11: 1-10:

Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches. Those preceding Jesus as well as those following kept crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Reflection:

Despite the fact that Jesus’ appearances were humble, this did not turn people off or drive them away from him. We tend to be impressed by splash and displays of power that fill us with awe. Jesus doesn’t draw attention by such grandiose spectacles, but because his words and actions hold out hope to the weary and hopeless. Today we join the crowds who greet Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. And add our own “Hosannas” to theirs. So we ask ourselves:

What is there about Jesus that draws me to him and keeps me as his follower? What can I do to reflect his simplicity and humility in my daily actions?