The Rector writes . . .

A Very Peaceful Demonstration

Demonstrations

Wootton Bassett has become the focal point of our attention when the bodies of young brave servicemen who have died in Afghanistan are repatriated. When the tenor bell of St Bartholomew’s church begins to toll a very solemn and dignified procession moves through the centre of this small market town

Other forms of processions and demonstrations seem to happen nearly every day. Our televisions and newspapers record columns of chanting folk, angry about some cause or another, carrying banners with their cause and slogans in large letters. Expressionless police tramp alongside the marchers. The people concerned are letting off steam but whether the onlookers in these cases are converted to their cause is anyone’s guess.

Palm Sunday

At this time of the year we remember a demonstration which seems, according to the records, to have been pretty successful. Unlike most of our present-day marches, this was a happy, joyful occasion. The people were not so much protesting against something, as rejoicing at what seemed to be a new step forward and a hope for the future.

Prepared

This demonstration was well prepared, which is essential for an effective gesture. Jesus was determined to challenge the people to rise to their true calling, and the capital city, Jerusalem, was the right place to make a start.

Jesus must have had a friend or friends in the area, through whom he arranged about a colt. The riding on a donkey was the traditional outward evidence that the rider came in peace No conquering warrior king, He; the ’Prince of Peace’ was coming!

The people were out early and put their cloaks on the ass and on the roadway, waved palm-branches and gave shouts of acclamation. This was going to be the start of something new! They burst out into cries of ‘Hosanna! Blessings on him who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’

Some of the Pharisees and opponents of Jesus were indignant and told Jesus to make his disciples keep quiet. Jesus’ reply was blunt: ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out!’

Jesus Weeps

It has been said that men who are truly great are not afraid to express their emotions. The great Winston Churchill. KG.CH.TD.FRS.PC. 1874-1965 used to weep readily. Now the Bible tells us of the tears of Jesus. When a turn of the road brought the Holy City into plain view - Jerusalem with its long and turbulent history - Jesus wept. He foresaw all too well the disaster which would overtake the city: ’They will dash you to the ground, you and your children within you; and they will not leave one stone upon another, because you did not recognise God’s moment when it came!’

Jesus came to his people - only to be rejected. Jesus was once again challenging them to accept his interpretation of the destiny of Israel. Instead of filling their heads with crazy nationalist notions of rebellion against Rome, they were to make themselves the people of justice, mercy, and truth, which was God’s purpose for them. That destiny had been proclaimed by the prophets down the ages, and was now put before them by Christ.

Our Response

So the procession made its way, the crowds cheering and laughing, proud to be escorting the Chosen One. There were those who greeted him with what was at the time great enthusiasm - but it would fade rapidly with pressure from the authorities. There were those who were cold and indifferent; and there were those who feared and hated him and were determined to destroy him. However, praise be, there were those who believed in him and greeted his coming with true joy and with whole-hearted acceptance.

Holy Week 2010 asks the question - Where do we stand? Are we prepared to welcome his coming into our hearts and minds, do we accept him as Lord!

Yours sincerely

Malcolm B. Kelly