On the face of things, it didn't work out so well. Jesus came into town being hailed and wound up being nailed - to a cross. An excruciatingly horrible way to die, the Romans' premier form of torture and intimidation. The disciples scattered, the end seemed a big bust to the 'kingdom' spoke of, and promised by, Jesus.
Of course we know that while the passion was agonizing, it was not in fact the end. The cross brought new life and hope for us. The cross, that symbol of torture became a symbol of hope. The apostles scattered, yes indeed, then 'scattered' throughout the world bringing Good News to mankind. The news spread like wildfire in a time when twitter, FaceBook and digital media was a heralding voice provided by a pair of weary feet in dusty, dirty sandals.
I wouldn't say then that it didn't 'not work out so well' as much as it didn't turned out as planned. By all means then, we should have hope and incredible if not incredulous optimism in the face of seemingly horrible and almost demonic events.
That is just a prelude to prayer for me. While I am a firm believer in action paired with prayer, I would not ever want to diminish the need of that prayer component. And so when I read in Holy women, holy men, the story of James Weldon Johnson whom we remember on this day, I am filled with hope and prayers for a modern James Weldon Johnson to come forth from the faithful.
In the midst of so much political strife, polarization and seemingly irreconcilable differences in society, we need a voice of reason and reconciliation. That seemed to be what brother Weldon was all about. I prayer for ourselves and for God's voice in a seemingly graven nation and world.
Lord, please reveal to us a person of such stature and wisdom that we may openly welcome and truly hear the voice of your love and wisdom. May these times filled with angst and seemingly hopeless political quagmires be the beginning of something new and wonderful as your resurrection was to those who witnessed your life and watched in horror at your crucifixion. We have hope in you and the power of your love. We give thanks and pray.
Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
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.’
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
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.’
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