Abba God at Our Side

Psalms: 24, 29, 103
Zechariah 9:9-12 & 12:9-11, 13:1, 7-9
1 Timothy 6:12-16
Matthew 21:12-17

As I write this on a muggy January morning after a night of torrential rain, I have no way of knowing if we will be virtual in observance of Lent this year, but I think so. Our journey with COVID-19 has led to changes in how we do many things, including worship. What this journey has taught us is that life can change, abruptly and dramatically. Not always, but we sometimes have a little warning, if we pay attention. We knew for example, that the virus existed and was causing sickness and death overseas and then in the northeast and west coast weeks before it hit home.

Just as I know that despite today’s balmy weather a cold front is moving across the country and should arrive here sometime tomorrow. Heeding this warning I have noted in my calendar to bring my lemon tree in from the deck to keep it from freezing tomorrow night. Staying awake, paying attention, and heeding the warnings by doing right action is a good thing.

On this Palm Sunday, what have we learned from our Lenten Journey about the warning signs for Jesus to prepare him for this week ahead and what does that and our Gospel reading for today tell us?

While our Sunday worship today focuses on Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem to cries of “Hosanna!” our reading is about what Jesus does immediately after he enters the city. He enters the temple and boldly confronts those who are profiting from ordinary folk, some blind, lame, or poor, who were trying to obey the law by worshiping in the temple. Jesus knew this was perilous action. He had many warnings in other encounters with the religious leaders. He knew they were looking for ways to kill him and that this action was a grave provocation.

So why did he do this? Why did he overturn the money changers and sellers of doves, then heal the lame and the blind and lift up the children as those to be listened to? I believe this is the core of his ministry and a message to us as to what our ministry should be. With Abba God ever at his side, Jesus used his voice to confront corrupt power and greed. He used his hands to heal and offer comfort, and he reminded the powerful that the innocence of children has not yet been corrupted by seeking power and wealth.

So shall we seek to find the innocent child within, in our hearts and souls? And shall we speak truth to power by joining our voice with and for the marginalized among us. Shall we also find what is ours to do in ministry?  Ever with Abba God at our side shall we listen to and for God’s will?  

The Rev. Gerri Aston