Readings: Matthew 21: 1-11

‘Palm Sunday’

There were two parades that day. Through the Western gate Pilate entered on a horse accompanied by soldiers in full uniform with banners and drums and the sun glinting on spear and shield, and people watching in sullen silence.

Through the Eastern gate came a protesting procession with Jesus riding a donkey, with the people in the front calling out ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’ and the people at the back responding ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of God.’ And the people carpeted the road with their cloaks and with palm leaves.

To where was the procession proceeding? To the Temple which had become far more than a place of worship. It was in effect the central bank where loans were negotiated and the mortgage documents were kept.

Two processions and one question. What is more important - the culture of the day or the way of Jesus? What is more important - the clunking machinery of Fortescue Metals or the protests of the indigenous people of Roebourne being ground into the ground? They ask for the use of their land but one half of one percent of uncapped royalty.

The world is the Temple of God and we have made it into a den of thieves.

Two processions and one question. At whose feet will you lay your palms?