Mark 11:1-11
Immediately…
The gospel of Mark is a fast-moving narrative of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection. It is the shortest gospel and very fond of using speed and urgency when speaking of Jesus’ movements. In particular a certain word shows up 41 times; it is the Greek word “euthus” which is often translated as “immediately.”
I find it interesting that two of those occurrences of “immediately” show up in our story for Palm Sunday, the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. We hear this story over and over again each year that it feels methodical almost. Yet, Mark’s perspective creates somewhat of a chaos for me.
When I hear this short text, the word immediately gives me anxiety. Does it do it for you too? Why is Jesus in such a rush? Do we need to be too? However, isn’t that how we enter Holy Week? We want to immediately start to celebrate Jesus risen from the dead.
“Let’s get on with it, Jesus! We know what’s going to happen.” If we’re honest with ourselves we don’t want to spend too much time on this whole arrest, torture, hanging on the cross thing. How dare death get in the way of our celebrating!
The beginning of Jesus’ end is a hard one to endure, for we already know the story. Yet, we are called into sitting in the chaos of it all. Palm Sunday is a somber celebration, a movement into the anxious and uncomfortable. Jesus calls us to stay with him on this journey. Fight the immediacy, speed, and urgency.
It’s good practice for life in general. As we spoke about healing in Lent, we find healing only if we sit in the uncomfortable of it. You can’t rush healing, you can’t make a scab grow faster. Jesus’ journey to the cross shows us that the ultimate healing act of love comes to us in an unexpected way and there is no urgency about it. It’s lived out each day and given as gift.
May you find yourself resisting your immediate and living into Jesus’ immediate gift of love. Love from a humble king that came to transform and give life. May you grasp that life and see the possibilities ahead.
Questions for Reflection:
- What “immediate” things do you have in your life right now that are preventing you from hearing God?
- What practices can you acquire that will allow you to sit in the uncomfortable journey with Christ this Holy Week?
Prayer
Dear God,
Let us find ways to slow down. May we embrace the only thing that is immediate in our life, and that is your love and grace. Allow this coming week to sink into our being as we hear your story once again of resistance, sacrifice, and love. Amen.
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