We had a lovely Palm Sunday service. The children sang. Palms were waved. The Supper was served. But again it strikes me: the ironies of Holy Week.
To me, Palm Sunday is always bitter sweet. Children may have sung and people welcomed, but where did those songs lead? Not to ongoing support of Christ and His ministry.
Maundy Thursday: The Master washes His servants feet. The Master preaches love on one of the days He is most hated.
No earthly king wants to kill the Lord of All, so what does it? Democracy. “May His blood be upon us and our children.”
The irony cuts me to the core.
So, the Law is fulfilled by the death of the only Innocent Man. Eternal life by twisting the twisted goals of Satan and sin so that, again, Friday is Good.
And, lest we forget, this time of special remembrance of Christ’s conquering conquest . . . is juxtaposed against terrible, terrible things. Anything to distract us, mislead us, or cause our hope to fail.
Typically it’s stories about gnostic anti-gospels or sordid affairs. This times Notre Dame burns. But it cuts me still.
Satan remains active, but don’t be misled. He may make a show, but that’s all it is.
Martin Luther had it right: “And take they our life, Goods, fame, child, and wife, Though these all be gone, Our vict’ry has been won: The Kingdom ours remaineth.”
They say the modern era began when reason was crowned in Notre Dame. That is, according to Wikipedia: “The Cult of Reason was France’s first established state-sponsored atheistic religion, intended … The largest ceremony of all was at the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.”
In my frustration, sometimes it seems like “they” are trying to take reason, too! But, Good News is coming.
And, much more and longer-lasting Good News available at your local congregations multiple times this week! Thanks be to God!
Eternally: Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, Good News incarnate.
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