Fickle spontaneity

Many years ago, I officiated a wedding for a young couple in a small town. Later that evening, I attended the reception, where I didn't know many people. Shortly after the meal, I started preparing to leave quietly because the next day was packed with activities. Just then, a gentleman sat next to me and began a casual conversation about faith. Within a few minutes, we were engrossed in discussion about everything from theology to modern culture to architecture. The person had been struggling with aspects of faith in his own life, and our two-hour conversation was both fascinating and inspiring. The experience was so moving that it still stays with me more than 20 years later. Some of life's best moments come from spontaneity: meeting new people, unexpected conversations, gatherings of friends for celebrations, and more. Anyone who pays attention to life's opportunities will also understand that misguided spontaneity can sometimes do more harm than good to ourselves and those around us.

 

As we enter the most holy of weeks, we hear of crowds spontaneously celebrating Jesus as he triumphantly enters Jerusalem on a donkey, as had been prophesied many centuries earlier (Zach

 

9: 9). The entire city buzzed with energy as they laid cloaks and branches before him, calling out

 

"Hosannah to the Son of David." One can only imagine the enthusiasm of the crowd, seeing that Jesus was to be in their midst again. Some of the Pharisees, recognizing what was happening, told Jesus to rebuke them. Jesus' response: "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out" (Lk. 19: 40).

 

Scripture also tells us that this social frenzy, which began the week, will also lead to confusion, betrayal, chaos, and violence. As Jesus continues his triumphant procession from the top of Mount Olives toward the Temple, he can see the city before him. As he nears the city, Jesus weeps amid the many shouts of joy, recognizing how the city has fallen into sin, ignorance, and blindness. He had taught them, performed miracles, cast out demons, and even raised three people from the dead.

 

As his impending death approaches, there is a sense that all he has worked for is being celebrated one moment and falling apart the next. "Jerusalem, if you only knew what makes for peace but now it is hidden from your eyes" (Lk 19: 41).

 

The same fickle spontaneity that drives the crowd to celebrate Jesus' arrival would soon lead them to resent Jesus: even to choosing that Barrabas be released from prison, Peter denying the Lord three times, and for the crowd to cry out that Jesus be crucified. Jesus sees this; he willingly bore our changing emotions and spontaneous actions to the cross, and now invites us to become one with him as we celebrate Holy Week in 2026.

 

Each of us has probably experienced spontaneous moments in our lives that created memories we will never forget. The events that the Church will commemorate this Holy Week are no different. The triumphal entry, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus will always live on. The difference lies in how each of us allows it to change our hearts. Many denominations will sing the Exultet at Easter, which recalls, "O happy fault that merited for us such a glorious redeemer." May these events, relived by the Church this coming week, serve as a prayerful source of meditation and grace for the days ahead.