From Sunday's Palms to Friday's Cross

This Holy Week has been one of amazing depth. A lot of people asking me, "How are you doing?" - and the way in which I want to respond goes something like this: "It's not about HOW I'm doing, it's about WHAT God is doing." In Sunday's Palm-Passion service, our preacher of the day moved us past the fun parade with palms, cloaks, and donkey into the beginning of the week when Jesus cleanses the temple. This is a story we "think" we know. Jesus Christ Superstar made it perfectly clear: Jesus was upset at all the commerce and moneychangers. Wrong!

It's not WHAT was happening, but WHERE it was happening. With everyone gathered in Jerusalem for Passover, there had to be a place for commerce to occur. So, the religious authorities make a space for the commerce: the Court of the Gentiles, a place for those on the fringe of mainline religion. THIS is why Jesus is angered. THIS is consistent with Jesus' gospel message. And yet, THIS is exactly what we encounter in contemporary religious experiences.

How often have we heard pleas for more donations? I get them every time I open my mailbox.
How often have we been asked to give more time or to add one more thing to our to-do lists?
How often are we asked to stop what we're doing so that the oppressed and marginalized are able to praise, pray, and worship?