It is interesting how death seems to be required to bring some families and some social groups together. They never seem to have time to be real family or friends unless someone has died. The rest of the time, they are too busy for you.
As we near Good Friday, the impending sense of death hangs in our readings today. We know that this triumphant entry into Jerusalem will be short lived shouts of joy that will turn to shouts of anger and hatred in a matter of days.
For some people, they will prepare for one of only two days they will ever step in a church. Others will be with us each day for the Triduum. But this much is true, we will walk that sad path toward death with our Lord.
This year in particular, the church has focused on the homeless and those on death row. It has been a hard year as we have seen death increase both on the streets and in the prisons. And yet, for many Christians, those deaths are not even enough to wake them out of their apathy and into action.
Even as Jesus was being sought by the religious leaders of his day, he did not advocate for violence and death. No, he told Saint Peter to put his sword away. “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword,” Jesus said. (Matthew 26:52. NRSVCE)
As we join the joyful crowd calling Jesus the King, let us remember that those same people will call for his death. Are we the voices calling for death, or are we working to be true champions of life?
I continue to champion life. I hope you will join me.
Pax et Bonum,
Bishop Greer