1 Ride on! Ride on in majesty! Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry:
O Saviour meek, pursue thy road with palms and scattered garments strowed.
This is Palm and Passion Sunday, the beginning of the solemn, profound days of Holy Week which begin with a parade which is perceived by Roman authorities as a protest march. As the days of the week unfold military and religious leaders are on high alert for sedition, and eventually Pilate decides that Jesus just isn't worth the trouble. We recognize Jesus' Good Friday crucifixion as a cosmic event: "behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." It is also grounded in the conflicts and politics of that moment in human history.
If you are following the military coup in Myanmar/Burma you'll be aware that there has been significant resistance from the people of this troubled nation in the form of street protests. Many civilians have died as a result, upwards of 90 yesterday, alone.
Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country (88%) the persecuted Rohingya are Muslims (4%) with Christians at 6%.
Recently a Roman Catholic nun was in the news there. because of her courageous and peaceful challenge to heavily armed police officers. Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng, who is 45, begged a group of heavily armed police officers to spare “the children” and take her life instead. The image of the Catholic nun in a simple white habit, her hands spread, pleading with the forces of the country’s new junta as they prepared to crack down on a protest has gone viral and won her praise in Myanmar.
This photo is a powerful tableau, not just because of her gesture, but with the response of the police officers, who are likely Buddhist. A couple of them adopt a prayerful posture while others look on.
Every day disciples of Jesus choose to be faithful to the Prince of Peace, willing to suffer alongside him, if necessary. We may not be able to attend in-person worship in our setting today, or to wave a palm branch. Still, as we follow the news this Holy Week we can look to those who show us the narrow road as a model for our discipleship.
4 Ride on! Ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die;
bow thy meek head to mortal pain, then take, O God, thy power, and reign.
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