Hosanna to the Son of David!
By Susan Oxley of Renton, WA, USA
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” -Matthew 21:8-9 NRSV
When I was a child, I thought of Jesus as a superhero who could beat all other superheroes. He performed miracles and walked on water. He healed lepers and raised the dead. He could appear and disappear from a locked room. Hidden in my childish devotion was the conviction that if I followed Jesus, he would protect me, cure me, and raise me. The deeper message of his teachings, mentoring, and modeling slipped by me. Like the Jews so long ago, I had created an image and expectations and then placed Jesus into the mold of my making.
Sixty years later, I wonder if I have changed much. I still tend to create God in human images, and I characterize Jesus to fit my most pressing needs. If I feel picked on or fearful, I turn to Jesus as if he were the warrior-king that the Jews hailed so long ago with so little understanding. When the future seems uncertain or hope dims, I want reassurance and comfort from the great prophetic Christ who holds the future securely in his hands. In the midst of meditation or personal worship, I seek Christ as the great priest of faith and a spiritual companion.
King, prophet, priest-how limiting are these human categories for the Son of God! In my best moments, I know that Jesus Christ is all of these and more. He is the Risen Christ, the Resurrection, and New Life. He is Emmanuel, God-With-Us. I worship and rejoice.
Prayer Phrase
God, may my deep hope align with your deep vision. Release in me anything that keeps me from freely following your Spirit. Amen.
Invitation to Spiritual Practice
Spiritual Freedom
Breathe deeply as you enter a time of silence. Become gently attentive to what may be restricting you from faithfully responding to the divine invitation in your life. Are there priorities, attachments, tasks, or motivations competing for your response? What does freedom for God look or feel like in you this day?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
