Living in the Vine: Palm Sunday

Apr 2, 20233 min read

...who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~Philippians 2:6-11 NRSV

While visiting Guatemala the month of March, Lent and Easter could not be ignored. It is the most important spiritual journey of the year for many Guatemalans. Church buildings are transformed with purple curtains and the community reenactments of the Biblical accounts of the passion story are reminders of the sufferings of Jesus. Some dress in purple and carry heavy floats with life-size statues of Jesus, Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Peter; while others are involved in making floral and colorful sawdust rugs for Jesus as he is carried through the streets.

I was impressed by the dedication and involvement of the people in remembering and ritualizing the events of Holy Week. One might wonder why there is so much emphasis on suffering rather than on the resurrection of Jesus. These people know suffering firsthand and Lent is a reminder that Jesus journeys with us in our struggles. Many have suffered in poverty, malnutrition, discrimination, torture and death during the 40-year war. In the past decade since the peace accords were signed, violence, gang activity, drug and sex trafficking and a depressed economy have required many to leave their communities and migrate north in search of work to support their families and communities. This sacrifice is immense! In the churches where I worshiped, pastoral prayers always included the names of those who risked their lives traveling through Mexico and across the border to the U.S. in search of work. On the journey they suffer horrendous and dangerous conditions and sacrifice their lives so their families and communities can afford food, clothing, adequate housing, healthcare, and education for their children. Remaining family members expressed concern for the safety and wellbeing of their loved ones and wait expectantly to hear news that they arrived in the U.S. and are alive and well. In one community I visited, a young indigenous woman, now living in Chicago, had just been shot and killed. On another occasion, I attended a wedding of a friend. The father of the bride, who was working in the U.S. sent money for his oldest daughter's wedding; however, he was unable to attend. He is not home to see his six children grow up or attend important events in his family's lives.

Reflection:

As you reflect on the events of the passion story of Jesus, do you identify with any particular part of the story? What about that event disturbs, comforts, or frees you?
What ritual might help you remember this event?
Spiritual practice: Breath in - Abide in me. Breath out - As I abide in You.