It is now the day before Jesus will enter Jerusalem and he is at Jericho, about 15 miles away. Today one cannot travel the Jericho road without passing through a number of checkpoints managed by Israeli security forces. When I traveled that road I only had to show my U.S. passport and the driver his authorized pass but many were forced to wait hours before being allowed to pass.
The Israeli occupation of Palestine is a military occupation, much like Rome’s. There are differences, of course. The Romans crucified their opponents, perceived or real; the Israelis just throw them in prisons. There was the 16-year-old girl who faced assault charges because she slapped an Israeli soldier who fired tear gas canisters into her home; she was sentenced to 8 months.
As we look towards Palm Sunday, we cannot forget that Jesus also called for justice. The temple leadership saw him as a direct threat to their power they maintained through their collaboration with the Roman occupiers. We must question our policy regarding Israel today. Collaboration takes many forms.
Prayer for the Day
Holy Creator, we bring our restless hearts longing for peace,
But we feel there is no peace in our hearts and are distressed;
We want the baby in the manger, not the Jesus going to Jerusalem,
Broaden our horizon of your love and caring for all.
Bring us into the realm of your kingdom on earth.
Hold open to us the possibilities of your call to justice,
As did the One who called for justice to all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
People always want to be on the right side of history. It is always easier to say, “What an atrocity that was” than to say, “What an atrocity this is.”
Natasha Trethewey, American poet
You can’t have occupation and human rights.
Christopher Hitchens, British social critics (1949-2011)
Justice, and only justice, shall you pursue.
Deuteronomy 16.20