Monday of Holy Week

It has been said that Jesus was in no danger of betrayal and crucifixion so long as he remained outside the city.  When he was an impressive preacher, standing atop a mountain and sharing beatitudes, the folks could go out to hear and him and return to their homes and be in the know among their neighbors.  When he as a worker of miracles to which they could take their injuries and infirmities they were comforted to know that he was out there and available, should they desire to seek his services.

But then he came into Jerusalem.  And he spoke of their daily lives and how all those miracles and all that lofty language was to be brought in harmony with the way they interacted in the marketplace and how they spoke of (as well as to) their neighbors.

Jesus was not to be relegated to the fringes nor was he to be treated as a weekend attraction.  This the crowd was unprepared to accept.  So they cried out for his crucifixion.

As we begin this Holy Week, reflect on the lessons of yesterday and ask whether Jesus has entered the city where you dwell.  Has he come to the things you say and the things you do; or is he still an idea or an interest that you scratch when the mood hits you?

It is common to speak of having invited Jesus into our lives; but it is uncommon to see a wholesale re-modeling of our lives, following such an entry.  And yet, that is what happens in the Gospel story.  Jesus comes and exposes the wide gap between what we say following him means and how that following is happening in our own lives.

So long as he stays out there, things can go along just fine.  But then he enters; and things will never be the same again.