Message of Abbot Paul - Sunday 2nd April 2023

Yesterday, we had the great privilege to host the Installation of the High Sheriff of Herefordshire at Belmont. The ceremony took place in the Abbey, an historic first, and was a wonderful occasion, greatly enjoyed by all present. We thank God and pray for the outgoing High Sheriff, Sarah de Rohan, and the new High Sheriff, Robert Robinson

 

Today we keep Palm Sunday, recalling the day on which Jesus entered triumphantly into Jerusalem, acclaimed by the crowds, who threw palm branches at his feet and covered the ass he rode upon with their own cloaks. It was a decision that Jesus took, knowing what the outcome would be. At the Blessing of Palms, we read the episode as described in Matthew, (Mt 21: 1-11). Jesus also decides how he is going to enter the city. “When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village facing you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her: untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and he will send them immediately.’” We don’t know who the animals’ owner was. It’s clear that Jesus doesn’t have to ask permission. Matthew does, however, explain why the ass and its colt. “This took place to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Sion, Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of an ass.’” The prophet is Zechariah and the verse 9: 9 and the king is the Messianic King, the Messiah himself. This is how he would be recognised.

 

Although not fully understanding why, the disciples obey their master’s command. “The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the ass and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.” What could have been going through their minds, as they saw Jesus riding straight into the lions’ den that awaited him in Jerusalem? However, for the moment it was a triumphant entry. The crowds were on his side and acclaiming him. “And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” In the Hebrew Bible, Hosanna is a cry for help or salvation made to one who can save, whereas in the New Testament it is a cry of praise to one who can or will save us, Jesus the Saviour, who comes in God’s name. As he enters Jerusalem there are questions asked about him. “And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, ‘Who is this?’ And the crowds said,

‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.’” The enigma of Jesus: who is this? Who is he? For an answer we go back to the beginning of the Gospel story where he was called, “the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Crowds are fickle, especially when under the influence of astute political or religious leaders. Very soon they will turn against Jesus and will opt to save the life of a criminal called Barabbas. I wonder what you and I would have done.