The airbag explosion was loud and unnerving. Combined with the concussive sound of the impact, everyone on the crowded sidewalk turned to look. A slow moving truck stopped short and the vehicle following too closely behind couldn't maneuver quick enough. With shattered glass and twisted metal everywhere, I hesitantly approached. But what could I do? I let the critical moment slip by and didn't get involved.
That's the case with much of our lives. We let other people handle it, or, more often than not, allow our selfish concerns to take precedence. Who are we today and where is our moral fiber? What are the principles we stand up for and how do we show what we truly believe in? When will we get involved and not let go of our convictions that love, justice, and freedom is more than a dream of how things could - or should - be?
It's all too familiar - like today's reading of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and impending demise - we hear it all too often. We have good, noble, and appropriate intentions, but when the tires hit the road and we're called to stand up for what is right and for what we believe in, we remain gap-mouthed and staring spectators, not making an impact.
Often, we are like Peter, who lacks the courage to be steadfast and denies his faith;
Like James and John, who give in to their earthly emotions and can't get involved;
Even the authorities, who yearn for the passionate violence of Barabbas instead of the quiet peace of Christ, remain on the sidelines.
Sometimes, we are like Simon - who is coerced to be an accomplice; Or the soldiers - who are just following orders; And those crucified alongside him - who can see no active power in love. We have all been there.
Perhaps we are like Mary - who is a powerless bystander; Or like Pilot - who has no resolve for justice. Each and every one of us is like Judas - though we swear that we could never be the cause of such destruction. Yet, we are all in the crowd - as we yell, "Crucify him" - not just today, but every day, causing a major slowdown on the road to earthly divinity.
We are crucifying our values by not being present, not preparing the way, by not being true to our heart's desire. We bring an early and undeserving death by denying our inner spirit, by deserting that which we love, and choosing a more convenient way. Palm Sunday, like every story we read in the gospels, is not an historic - once in a lifetime, now it's over, event. Palm Sunday is a collision with today, yesterday, and tomorrow. It is every Sunday, and every Sunday is every day. Are you comfortable on the sidewalk, or will you be the driver in the story of life and stand up for love, compassion and humility. It's no accident, you have to make it happen.
love, always,
pia
