The Sixth Mirror
VI. The Mirror of the Palms (Fickleness vs. Fidelity)
As we reach the final mirror, we find ourselves at the gates of Jerusalem. This mirror reflects the crowds of Palm Sunday, exposing the sharp and painful paradox of the human heart: our ability to shout “Hosanna” on Sunday and call for crucifixion by Friday. It asks us if our love is loyal or merely loud.
The Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 (The Entry into Jerusalem)
“When they drew near to Jerusalem… Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them, and bring them to me.’ … The disciples went, and did just as Jesus commanded them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their clothes on them; and he sat on them. A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees, and spread them on the road. The multitudes who went before him, and who followed kept shouting, ‘Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ When he had come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred up, saying, ‘Who is this?’ The multitudes said, ‘This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.’”
Scripture Contemplation
- The Parade: It is easy to join a procession when everyone is cheering. Reflect on your own faith life: Do you find it easy to follow Jesus when “the city is stirred up” and it feels exciting, but disappear when the excitement fades into the silence of the Passion?
- The Cloaks: The crowds threw their cloaks on the road—a gesture of honour, but one that cost them very little. Are you willing to offer God only the “cloaks” of your life (your spare time, your surplus), or are you willing to offer Him your very self?
- The Turn: The same voices that shouted “Blessed is he” would soon shout “Crucify him.” Look in the mirror: How quickly does your heart turn from praise to betrayal when God does not meet your expectations or when following Him becomes socially costly?
The
Journey of Expectation
The crowd wanted a conquering King to drive out the Romans; they got a Suffering Servant on a donkey. Do I love the Jesus who Is, or only the version of Jesus I want him to be? This mirror challenges our tendency to create a god in our own image.
The
Journey of Courage
It takes no courage to sing in a crowd, but it takes immense courage to stand at the foot of the Cross alone. Am I a “fair-weather friend” to Christ? We are asked to examine the durability of our loyalty.
The
Journey of Depth
We move from the high emotion of the parade to the deep conviction of the disciple. Is my faith based on emotional highs (“Hosanna”), or is it rooted deeply enough to survive the coming darkness of Good Friday?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I confess that my love is often fickle. I sing Your praises when life is good, but I hide when the shadow of the Cross falls. Forgive me for the times I have turned away. Grant me the grace to follow You not just with my lips, but with my life, all the way to the end.
Amen.
Personal Action: The Way of Fidelity
- The “Silent Stand”: This week, when you feel the pressure to conform to the crowd (in gossip, in silence, or in judgment), choose to stand with Christ. Make one decision that is unpopular but right, as an act of loyalty to your King.
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