St. John 12:1-18 (4/20) Gospel for Palm Sunday: The Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem
Near But Not On: St. John 12:1-18, especially vs. 16: “His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.” Being an Orthodox Christian implies embracing and living correct theology, defending the true revelation, confirming the Gospel (Gal. 1:8), and treasuring Holy Tradition. Being a member of the Church does not mean we always hit the mark in these efforts. Nevertheless, by calling ourselves Orthodox, we imply that we intend both to uphold the truth of the whole Faith and to struggle to live and express it rightly.
To carry out these purposes is not primarily a matter of having answers in neat, correct phrases. Rather, being truly Orthodox means inner listening: an attentive heart, a spirit that seeks illumination and wisdom derived from God, a humility concerning one’s personal insight, and a trust in and a resolve to hold firmly to what the Church always has taught. Today’s reading is an account of four persons or groups who were almost right concerning the mission, Person and teaching of Christ - but not quite. Like us, they were fallible humans who came near the truth, but missed the whole through serious errors. Their miscalculations are preserved by the Evangelists to help us strive on toward a more complete holding of the Truth.
First, there was Judas Iscariot. Let us not too readily malign him for asking, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (vs. 5). The Lord Himself forcefully commends concern for the needy of this world (Mt. 25:35-40). Judas had learned some things along the way. His words reflect a degree of righteous concern.
On the other hand, the text reveals that wicked motives lay behind Judas’ “speaking up.” There was a deeper, twisted desire lurking beneath his expressed care for the poor (vs. 6). Note Jesus’ reaction: lest others among the disciples, those of purer motives and with deeper concern for the poor, should be led astray by Judas, the Lord defended Mary’s action (vss. 7,8). Events would soon prove that she acted very appropriately, for she had “...chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Lk. 10:42), sitting at His feet, listening to Him (Lk. 10:39).
Next we learn about “the Jews” who “...knew that He was there; and...came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus...” (vs. 9). The spectacular attracts those looking for entertainment. One often hears of people flocking to religious gatherings just to see the miraculous: “Let’s go and see!” There’s a certain titillating factor that draws the hungry to the Faith. The Lord warns against shallowness in His parable of the Sower. The Gospel can fall on men of stony ground without much depth. Some people come to the Faith, but “...have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble” (Mk. 4:17). Be cautious!
Consider the crowd who greeted the Lord as He rode into Jerusalem. This mass of people were close to the truth, but they also missed the whole. Many greeted the Lord, and soon were in the mob crying, “Crucify Him!” (Jn. 19:15). Indeed, the crowds turned against Him, because many who cheered His arrival were motivated by mere curiosity (Jn. 12:18). The Lord Jesus is intriguing, but, in the end, fascination with the dramatic is no foundation for eternal salvation. Turn to Him because He alone can fill you with true love, humility, and self-sacrifice!
Finally, the Evangelist reports that the future Apostles “did not understand these things at first” (vs. 16). It would take the direct experience of Jesus’ death and Resurrection, and their illumination by the Holy Spirit to bring them to full understanding and commitment. Save us also, O Lord!
Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. Confess to the Lord; for He is good.
