Hosanna Turns to Contempt: Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Have you ever been turned around so much that you start to feel dizzy? That’s exactly what it feels like when we turn to the second half of John’s Gospel, known as The Book of Glory. During this season of Lent, as we listen closely to the stories of the final week of Jesus’ life as told by John, you, too, may feel a bit dizzy by all the turning: “Jesus turning into a servant, stooping to wash feet, turning clear water brown with the disciples gathered dust, turning them toward loving and serving their neighbor. Then humanity’s turning away: Peter turning his back on his best friend; Pilate turning and twisting the truth for political gain; The fickle and riled up crowds turning from “hosanna” to “crucify.’’ Then the turning of the earth as grave becomes garden, death turns to life, mourning to dancing.”

John’s Gospel invites us into a season of intentional turning. Our hearts turn with compassion for those who grieve. Our lives turn toward our neighbor in acts of solidarity and service. Our eyes turn toward the cross and we see Jesus turning the world upside down with love.”