Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

FR. MICHAEL BOAKYE YEBOAH

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF KUMASI, GHANA.

THE PALM TREE 

            Matthew narrates to us a heroic story of a kind. Ordinarily Jesus demonstrates meekness in speech and act but today he was at his commanding best with the instruction he gave to his disciples. His tone did not resemble the meek and humble Rabbi we have known throughout scripture. Matthew tells us that as he and his disciples drew near to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two of his disciples with the instruction, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you reply, ‘The master has need of them.’”

            What did Jesus need that colt for? He needed to ride on it triumphantly into Jerusalem as a commander who announces victory even before waging a war. In five days’ time, he was to wage war against death – a battle none of the war heroes before him had won but he was so convinced that he will win it. Did he possess any track record to boldly make such a claim?

            Oh Yes! Jesus had the track record. Let me take you back to the gospel passage of last Sunday, the Fifth Sunday of Lent. We are told that his friend Lazarus passed on. When Jesus arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days and yet he was able to raise him from the tomb. That is not all, he raised the only son of a widow from the dead in Nain and likewise he also raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Jesus’ track record was solid and yet the Jews and some of his disciples doubted him.

            Those who entertained doubt may be right in their opinions to some extent because to raise others from the dead may be different from raising one’s self from the dead. This was a lottery of a kind and that day it took a strong faith for people to believe in his words.

            When he mounted the colt at the entrance to Jerusalem and started riding into the city the issue for debate had gotten lost in many a people’s memory; the only thing the crowd was interested in was the euphoria that came with the Hosanna chorus. You know in life some people can party with you without asking the reason/motive for the merry making. I would like to think that some people in the crowd could be classified as such. They were singing and making merry without knowing the Jesus’ motive.

            Among the elements/things used for merry making, one that carries a theological importance to me is the palm branches used for hailing Jesus. One may think that the choice of palm branches may be accidental but let me proudly tell you, they were not.

            The Palm tree is among the few trees in the forest that can withstand any storm. Its roots go too deep that, it may be very difficult for it to be uprooted by a strong wind. Theologically Jesus symbolizes the Palm tree. No matter the opposition that came to him like a strong wind, there was no way Jesus was to go down without rising up again. With his triumphant entry, he was telling the authorities that Friday will come and they will put him to death but like the palm tree he will rise. Jesus’ roots are very deep in God; and the Father and Son transcends death – meaning as the Father cannot be killed so neither can the Son.

            Jesus transcendence over death is something he passed on to all who are baptized in his name. Once we believe in him, he will raise us from death to a better life when our days come to an end. Jesus is the resurrection and life and he who lives and believes in him will never die. Death is a passage for a Christian to a better life.

            Our indissolubility lies in our faith in Christ Jesus. Jesus is our Palm tree that no wind can bring down. I would like to invite you to the spirituality of Jesus, our Palm Tree. Once you rest your life in Jesus nothing can bring you down. May Jesus be your strength. OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PRAY FOR US.