Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

FR MICHAEL BIBLICAL IMAGERY

(Fr Michael Boakye Yeboah: Vice Rector of St Gregory Seminary, Kumasi-Ghana)

WAVING YOUR PALMS

            Anyone who is familiar with Ancient Roman history may have come across “waving of palm branches.” It was a sign of victory, triumph and celebration. Roman Generals looked forward for such celebration after emerging victorious in battles. The best and healthier of horses were always selected for such a triumphant parade. It was always a spectacle to behold. A similar practice was present in Jewish triumphant celebrations. For both cultures, a celebration with “waving palm branches” was reserved for kings and honourable military Generals but not for an itinerant preacher.

            If Jesus had accepted his status as a king or a zealot warlord then it could have fit the bill for him to ride into his city triumphantly with people waving palm branches. But Jesus did not accept such titles. He rather made it clear in his preaching that he was preparing his disciples and hearers for a kingdom where he reigns. No one knew where that kingdom was located but there were indications in his messages that his kingdom was not of this world. There are a lot of questions begging for answers. If his kingdom is not of this world, why will Jesus ride triumphantly into another king’s territory as a king?

            The whole triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was complex and dramatic. The events that day started when he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany. With his intention clear, he asked two of his disciples to go into a village and demand for a man’s colt. The report from the inspired writer indicates that there was no prior notice to the owner of the colt. And so, when they were untying the colt, the owner had every right to ask about such an unlawful action. The reply that the disciples gave to the owner of the colt was neither here or there while the reaction of the owner was also irresponsible. How can a person allow strangers to untie his colt with such an authoritative statement? This may have definitely been under spiritual influence. When a spiritual authority gives a command, temporal agents become speechless and powerless. Such was the power that Jesus possessed. The complexity and drama of the whole event was far from over.

            When Jesus laid hands on the colt, he mounted it and started his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. An ordinary Nazarean carpenter, who had unlawfully untied someone’s colt and made such a colorful entry still beats curious minds. How did they organize such a multitude? Who told them to spread their cloths on the way? Why will they wave palm branches to Jesus? There are a lot of questions begging for answers.

            One answer I can give is that, Jesus transcends anything earthly. Even if that day, human beings decided not to welcome him, his Father would have raised stones to praise him (cf. Matt. 3:9). If children of Abraham did not praise Jesus God would have raised children out of stones, such was the power that Jesus possessed. But that day the children of Abraham did not disappoint. They came out in their hundreds if not thousands to cheer the King of kings.

            The symbolism of the celebration stands for the battle that he was about to wage against sin and the devil on that Good Friday. Jesus was the type of king who celebrated victory even before he started a war. As we go out today waving palm branches, join us. Little will you know that you are celebrating a victory of a battle that may confront you later in life. For us Christians we celebrate victory over any battle yet to come our way because Jesus has already won all battles for us. Because he lives we also live. Keep your faith in Jesus and all will be well with you and your family.