They thought they were heralding a king that was going to take over the world. One who would make the wrongs right; kick out the bad guys; set up a new equitable system of government; and rule with kindness and fairness. They thought that this man was the one. So they cheered and waved palm branches as he made his way through the streets on the back of a donkey, of all things. “Hosanna!” [Save us!] they shouted. Surely, they thought, the time had come to be rescued from tyranny.
Somehow in the midst of all the excitement, the message this man had been preaching on the hillsides and town squares had been missed. “I’m not here to create a new government on this earth… but in your hearts. I’m here to teach you a new way to live and love in community. I am here to show you how to treat people, even your enemies, differently than you ever thought you could. I am here to show you how to hold your hearts with love toward others, even in the midst of insults and injuries. I am here to show you how to give extravagantly, love unconditionally, and experience joy in pain and trial. I am here to offer the hope of eternity beyond what you can see. I am a king, THE king. I just don’t look like what you think I should right now. In fact, in a little while, you might even become disillusioned and join the crowds that will walk up these same streets while I drag a cross on my bloody back. You will see me die. Know this: I willingly enter into death to destroy its power. I am not a poor helpless victim on the cross; but an aggressive hunter bent on defeating the power and hold of death* so that each of you will have the freedom to choose to live…eternally.”
This is the hope of resurrection — this amazing celebration of life; of rebirth; of salvation; of exaltation; of re-creation. What was dead is now renewed and filled with life again. It’s a transfer from darkness to light. It’s like those superhero stories that we read where love wins and light triumphs. This is the story of the Christ — and of each of us as we connect our faith and hope to the Divine. May you experience the hope of eternity and the power of new life this Resurrection week.
*Paraphrasing Father John Riccardo