Palm Sunday

We are beginning Holy Week and nearing the end of Lent. 

Just think almost time once again to enjoy that chocolate or beer, which you ‘gave up’ for Lent. 

Hopefully, it is also a time to reflect on what we have learned about the importance of prayer, our relations with others and giving to the poor. But why ‘Palm Sunday’?  Palms are nowhere mentioned in today’s Gospel reading? Why not Carnation Sunday or Cloak Sunday (Luke’s Gospel reading from today at least mentions cloaks)?

 

We in California are used to seeing palm trees as decorative and symbolic of the year round sunshine which we enjoy. It was different in the first century when the Romans used palm branches to welcome home rulers after victory in war. Palms had symbolism not just for Romans but also the Jews who used them ceremoniously at the Feast of Tabernacles. In the Gospel of John there is another account of Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem where the people greet Him with palm branches; He is the victorious King (also conjuring up images of King David’s entry into Jerusalem while riding a donkey as a sign of humility). Jesus is welcomed by an oppressed people (Jews were very much under the colonial rule of Rome) as a king who would free them. However, Jesus is not the king which the people expected, namely one who would lead a violent revolt against the Romans but rather a king whose rule is marked by love and service. This Servant King will be publicly rejected by the His own people, condemned to die and be crucified on Good Friday. Because of the association of palms with Jesus’ last days of public ministry the early Church later made palm branches also a symbol of martyrdom.

Palm Sunday points not to lush trees on a California beach but to a King who suffered rejection by his people but did not lash out in anger or revenge. How hard it is for us to forgive slights or hurts? How easy it is to judge others in the worse possible light while seeing ourselves as without fault? Do we see leadership as not only getting work done but also as a service to others and seek the best for those who work under us?

Palm Sunday shows how a simple tree can be a potent symbol of service, love, forgiveness, and love if we take time to reflect upon it. Perhaps we might also take time to reflect on our brothers and sisters in the Third World who are being helped by the servant-doctors of Mission Doctors Association.

Today's guest blog post is contributed by Brother John Kiesler, OFM is a member of the facility of the Franciscan School of Theology in California. Brother John is a member of the Formation Facility for long-term missionaries through Mission Doctors and presents at the Annual Retreat Seminar on the theology of mission. Additionally he serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Mission Doctors Association.