Year B Palm Sunday 2021 Contradictions

 Year B Palm Sunday, 28 March 2021

Video and In-Person at St. James the Less Episcopal, Ashland, VA

“Contradictions”

Collect: Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mark 14:1-15:47

It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”

While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,

‘I will strike the shepherd,

and the sheep will be scattered.’

But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.

They went to a place called Gethsemane…

Friends, good morning. We have not been together in months for an outside service. We have not been together in OVER A YEAR for anything indoor. And yet we are still together, we are still a church, we are still a family. Thanks be to God!

Our God is bigger than COVID. Our God is bigger than the legitimate fears that kept us apart. Our love for each other and our love of our community made us make the hard choices, the decisions to remain apart for the safety of all. Thank you for your faithfulness and resilience. Your faith has kept me going during these hard, dark days. I can say that I love you all more now than when this started, and that is saying a lot.

Seeing this church empty has been hard. But this building, no matter how beautiful, is not the Church of Jesus Christ. We are the Church. The Church is the Bride of Christ, and the Body of Christ. “Now you are the Body of Christ, and individually members of it!” [I Cor. 12:27] Hold onto that as we must remain apart for just a little bit longer. We cannot stop playing halfway through the 4th Quarter. God will reward our faithfulness. 

I got permission from the bishop to do what we are doing today. It is Passion Sunday, when we remember the events of the week in their remarkable detail. And what always strikes me is the love behind these hard choices, especially the self-denying choices that Jesus’ makes. But behind that, this is a week of stark dichotomies, a week of glaring contradictions.

This morning we stopped the Gospel reading as they went out to Gethsemane. Gethsemane was, and still is, an olive orchard in the Kidron Valley separating Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. (Get it, mount of olives with an oil press at the bottom. These are not dumb people.) We will resume the Gospel at that point as we depart and go out into our Holy Week, hearing the story up to when they bury the crucified Jesus.

But as I mentioned, this is a week of huge contradictions. 

Here are just a few.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was foretold, even the nature of his entry. Had he come in on a mighty stallion, the Romans would have seen him as a direct threat and quashed it immediately. But on a little donkey, he is no threat, he is a joke. But who is the joke on? Jesus on the donkey, or the Empire and its standard bearers that he mocks? He knows his power does not come from might and strength. His power comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. This is a contradiction the Romans and many others cannot comprehend.

Jesus lives in poverty. He only has the robe wears and the cloak he sleeps and wraps up in as his possessions when he is crucified. And yet, during this whole week he smells of expensive perfume. The alabaster jar of perfume so lavishly poured out would cover him for days, his final days, the only days he has left. The act of love that she did is still remembered and cherished, just as Jesus said it would be. But those whom he encountered that week would have smelled it and would have been confused how one so humble could reek of riches. As the Roman soldiers beat and mocked him did he have the air of a king? This on top of having the presence and majesty of one who was above what was happening to him? In his silence he showed his authority and majesty. More contradictions in so confusing a week.

Many of us have a cross, a piece of jewelry we cherish. But it is an instrument of torture and death which we now see as love divine all loves excelling. We see it as the symbol of Jesus the Christ, and wear it proudly. But executing people is a symbol of Empire, of Government using its power over the individual. Jesus was a threat to Empire. The religious authorities said as much when they demanded his execution openly and without any hesitation. He was so much of a threat they thought he had to die. Empire silenced this Silent One, thinking it could end something God had begun. But the Cross is a contradiction. We embrace a symbol of death. Do we hug a skull and crossbones? Think on it if Jesus were hung, or electrocuted. Think of how ridiculous it would seem to have a dangling noose from a necklace or an electric chair we see as ultimate love. Executions have always disturbed me deeply, Jesus’ and our government’s. I thank God for the actions Virginia has chosen to make this week. Contradictions abound from our reading today, and in our recent past.

I must keep it short today because of the length of the readings, but the last contradiction I will mention is the one that still stabs our hearts in its callousness. Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him, he even told him so as he departed the Passover Meal. Very likely, the dipping in the bowl was the bitter herb that is included in the meal. Think on that as Judas goes out, with that vile, bitter taste in his mouth. Such is the nature of what Jesus did. And when Judas returns, what does he do to point out Jesus to the officials? He kisses him. He kisses him. This story is so ubiquitous that the name Judas now means traitor or betrayer. A Judas’ Kiss is betrayal in motion. But of all the things he could have done to point Jesus out, that he chose a kiss is the most horrible, the most condemning, the most damning thing of all. A kiss should never be a Contradiction, but there it is.

In this week of Contradictions, may we remain true. Recognize and wrestle with the dichotomies. That is good for you. But be like Jesus, and keep your eyes on the prize. Keep the end in sight. Remember who has been with you the entire time. God is faithful to be with you in the end. And after the end as we enter into the beginning of Eternity. 

Blessings on your Holy Week, and thank you for the faithfulness you have shown since we were together last. Amen

The rest of the Gospel, as we go out into Holy Week:

Mark 14:32-15:47

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.

A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man

seated at the right hand of the Power,’

and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.