If you care about real and true news, I’ll give you one; and the news is: “This is the most important week in your life.” Is that news enough? Then brace up for what it brings. As it was during the week of the Passover 2000 years ago, I predict that, as usual, the world aided by their media will steer some controversy to distract mindless Christians from Holy Week. Why do we carry palms today? The answer to the question expresses the reason for this season, and this Holy Week. First, we carry palms to symbolize our victory, which Christ won for us by His Passion, Death and Resurrection. Second, the palms also symbolize the true identity of the Lord, acclaimed with the words: “Hosanna (save us)” and “Son of David,” also “He who comes in the Name of the Lord,” the “King of Israel;” words that were troubling for the authorities, both Roman and Jewish. Yet, Pilate would later affix the sign (INRI) acknowledging Christ’s kingship, albeit mockingly.
When you listen to the Passion—that sacred narrative, you must notice the various characters around the cross: people who played varied roles—good, bad, very bad, ugly. Luke’s characters reveal to us that no one can be neutral before Jesus. And you cannot be neutral, either. You’ll find yourself at each point in your journey with Christ taking up any of those roles; roles that will define us before God’s judgment seat. Let’s take a look at just 14 characters:
- Peter—A fragile rock, following at a distance. Impetuous, yet, with gaze fixed on Jesus, representative of both sinful and redeemed humanity.
- Judas—A betrayer, a lover of money. All betrayals of divinity require insincere marks of affection, like a kiss. While a faithful friend is a life-saving remedy; a greedy, dishonest friend will be your worst betrayer.
- High Priest—Felt his authority threatened and plays tricks to eliminate a perceived threat. Are you playing tricks with someone’s life or fortune?
- The Sanhedrin—Twisting the law and evidence to get desired conviction.
- Pilate—Politician, talked from both sides of his mouth. Knew the truth and what was just but preferred unjust sentence. Are you afraid to tell the truth (to our children and friends) lest you lose your self-importance?
- Herod—Had a bloody alliance with Pilate on the principle that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The gains of revenge are always short-lived.
- Barabbas—Preferred to a just one. The hand of Barabbas is plastered all over the world as we install evil men and women with no morals as celebrities, while implicating the just with every imaginable accusation.
- The crowd—Sheeple, unthinking, reactional, easily swayed, victims of groupthink. Often the crowd doesn't know what’s happening and doesn’t know that it doesn’t know. Sapere Aude! (Dare to think), in the true sense.
- Simon of Cyrene—A disgruntled helper won over by the serenity of the Man of Suffering. We cannot look the other way when our sister suffers.
- Women of Jerusalem—Stood firm when the men wavered. Tradition has it that He gave to one of them, Veronica, the imprint of His holy countenance.
- Two criminals—Jeered at him, but one proved he was a master thief and stole even paradise. Heaven’s gate is never closed to the seeker.
- Soldiers—Zombies as always, especially when armed and charged up.
- Centurion—Saw the Truth and glorified God amidst the gloom of deviltry.
- Joseph of Arimathea—At once bold and fearful. Afraid? You keep faith!
Each of us is invited to place ourselves around the Cross of Christ as an intentional actor in that eternal drama. Where do you belong? Do the search this Holy Week. But never leap unto Easter without experiencing the Triduum.
Fr. Chukwudi Jo Okonkwo