17. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: RESIST

Sunday, March 24th
PALM SUNDAY

Read Matthew 21:6-13 (copied below).

Follow Jesus…

As Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, exemplifying humility and peace, the adoring crowds gather to praise and adore him. But after this joyful and hopeful entrance, Jesus then creates havoc in the temple, overturning the tables of the money changers and sellers. His surprising actions are seemingly contradictory–as he quickly moves from peacemaker to troublemaker!

to be the best version of myself…

This story is one of resistance. On the lowly donkey, Jesus resists the crowd’s expectations for a new ruler-king by refraining from any show of regal power. At the temple, he resists the greedy injustices of the marketplace by reacting with angry indignation.

The crowd expected Jesus to be more than he was–but he was more than they could imagine.

Today I ask myself… What should I resist by refraining? What should I resist by reacting?

To become my best, I can try to resist by refraining from my ways of living and being that are not of God. Following the humble example of Jesus in this particular passage, I can repent when I feel superior or righteous, release my need for attention or recognition, and refrain from seeking any privilege or advantage that others cannot have.

I can try to resist by reacting like Jesus against greed and injustice. Following the passionate example of Jesus in this passage, I can respond visibly, courageously, and at times, angrily against harmful and oppressive systems, rally with others for equality, fairness, and justice, and react by writing, speaking, defending, and standing for those who have not been seen or heard.

for the world.

God, Infinite Love,

Guide me to refrain from any inner tendencies that are not of you.
Give me the awareness to truly see what needs to be changed,
the humility to surrender to your good work within,
and the quiet peace of your presence,
that my resistance may witness to your love.

Inspire me to react to any outer situations that are not of you.
Give me the courage to speak when I feel timid,
the inspiration to act when I feel unconcerned,
and the determined power of your presence,
that my resistance may witness to your love.

Our reading for Maundy Thursday (28th) will be John 13:3-17.
Photo by Karen; grasses seem to be waving their praises.

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Matthew 21:6-13 (NRSVUE)

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
    Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written,
‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’
    but you are making it a den of robbers.”