Lent
April 8, 2017
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,‘Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ –Matthew 21:1-5
Apparently, what we see in movies is historically accurate, Roman leaders riding triumphantly into cities on beautify well trained horses were in control and in command. Their message was power, peace through violence or the threat of violence. Jesus’ ministry countered everything for which Rome and its emperor stood. Our scripture today illustrates that Jesus did not hold back his challenge to Roman power when he entered Jerusalem. Made fun of Rome’s triumphal entries by riding a donkey, a beast of burden, in his entry. Jesus’ people were being oppressed by Rome and their collusion with local religious leaders who were allowed their bit of power by not making waves. He came to free them from that oppression.
There are many types of oppression. We, today, probably think of being freed from spiritual oppression. It is hard for us to comprehend economic and political oppression although it exists all around us even in the United States. Sales taxes are harder on the poor than on the wealthy. They are called regressive taxes. Adding 8% to the cost of groceries for a person living in poverty means less than adequate food to eat. For someone making $100,000 a year it might mean ordering a glass of wine at a fine restaurant rather than a bottle.
Jesus wanted everyone to have enough. He did not demand that all had the same. As partners in Christ service we are called to do justice. Part of that call is working to assure that everyone has enough.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see injustice in our everyday lives and help us work to overcome it. Amen.