Readings
for Year B: Mark 11:1-1; Mark 14:32-15:47
April 9, 2006
The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino,
CA
During the time of the Passover, thousands of pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean would come to the temple in Jerusalem and join in on the festivities. Since the walled up city of Jerusalem could not house all of these visitors, they would often find shelter on the outskirts, in villages such as Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives. Jesus and his disciples were probably staying in one of these villages. After they had procured a donkey, they began their way into Jerusalem. Many of the pilgrims (as well as locals) cheered Jesus on his way, shouting: “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of Lord” while spreading their cloaks and leafy branches on the road. It is this procession that we remember at the beginning of today’s service.
My hunch is, this was not the only procession going on during that week. In order to keep the peace among so many visitors, hundreds of additional Roman soldiers were deployed. A public display of military might in the form of a parade was usually all that was needed to keep most people in order. Did King Herod and his court or the chief priests and scribes also use this opportunity to hold a public parade? We do not know for sure. But what we do know is that Jesus’ public notoriety and support was short lived.
What happens when someone oversteps the conventional wisdom of the day and denounces the domination system that is in power? What happens when a person tries to dismantle the delusional system of hierarchy, violence, economic injustice, and oppression? What happens when different powers clash? What happens is the story of the Passion, which will be read in a few minutes. Jesus’ death is a sober reminder of what can happen when conventions are challenged and powers are threatened.
Human evolution has provided the species with two deeply instinctual responses to violence: flight or flight. Jesus offered a third way: non-violent direct action. However, non-violent direct action takes risk. When we make our survival the highest goal and death the greatest evil, we become fearful and lose our nerve in maintaining a non-threatening stance. Instead, we participate in the cycle of violence either directly, or indirectly through silent complacency. Who among us would have stepped out of the crowd to defend a person like Jesus?
All of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) report Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Each one has a slightly different take. This year, we will read the gospel according to Mark. Mark has a few unique features. In Mark’s gospel we hear the story about one of Jesus’ followers who was wearing nothing but a loincloth. Once grabbed by the guards, he pulls away and flees. He is so intent on escaping, that he runs away naked. For him, exposure is a lot safer than arrest. Only in Mark is Jesus is taken away “under guard.” Mark emphasizes the falsehood of the testimonies against Jesus, such as: “Their statements did not agree with each other…Some gave this false testimony against Jesus…but even their testimony was inconsistent.”
There is a greater emphasis on the punishment Jesus received before the trial. Some began to spit on him, implying the spitting continues. They blindfolded and hit him. Then the guards took over and began to beat him. Mark tells us more about Barabbas than the other gospels- that he was in prison with other rebels who had committed murder during an insurrection against the Romans. Only Mark tells us that Pilate wanted to please the crowds.
Jesus was the victim of local struggle for power. Responsibility for the death of Jesus lies at the feet of those who participate in the deceit and power politics that permit the casual sacrifice of innocent people. So, let’s begin the reading of the passion. Remember, those who expect God to come and physically throw out the enemy are mistaken. Suffering, cruelty, wars, and their costs in innocent lives, remain realities of human life. Disciples learn to find God at work in the suffering and through a willingness to speak the truth in love in the face of domination.
| Updated 4/9/06 |
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