Point of View - Homily Palm Sunday

I start my homilies Praise be Jesus Christ. Those are great words of praise to share and proclaim this Palm Sunday. Praise we share with the people laying their cloaks and leafy branches on the road before Jesus. Praise in the words, “Hosanna in the highest.”

It’s amazing how fast things change. In the morning they praised Jesus and a short time later they cried “crucify him.” But, it was not necessarily the same people. The point of view was different.

Everyone has a point of view and everyone’s point of view is different. A point of view can be from from love, filled with generosity and compassion. Or, a point of view can be one of hate, filled with racism, bigotry, and prejudice. All are different. For some, if you don’t agree with their point of view, you are wrong.

A  point of view comes from life's experiences, faith, morals, interactions. It expresses wants, needs, and desires. It is inflamed by human passion. As we remember the passion of Christ, remember, all had a point of view.

That first group of people’s point of view of Christ was the messiah. They honored and respected the man, Jesus. They celebrated him.

What were the points of views of the others in the passion. 

Judas the Iscariot’s point of view was not Christ Jesus. His point of view was Judas and money.

The other apostles and disciples' was one of fear; so, they ran away. Their point of view had not yet been inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Another point of view was found in people looking for a different type of messiah. They wanted a rebellion against the Romans. So, they asked Pilate for the release of Barabbas, a rebellion leader. Barabbas’ release fit their point of view.

The point of view of the Sanhedrin, Chief Priests, and scribes was Jesus made them look bad. Even Pilate knew they envied Jesus. All He taught was not necessarily a match for their interpretation of the Law. So they treated him as a violent criminal, sending men armed with swords and clubs to seize him. As he hung on the cross these religious men mocked him.

Pilate’s point of view was he was above all this bickering. If they wanted to crucify Jesus even though he did no wrong, let them. Pilate even put a little fuel on the fire, calling Jesus, King of the Jews.

The point of view of those calling “crucify him” was not the same of those who cried “Hosanna.” To the  “Crucify him” people, Jesus was not who He said He was; not the messiah. Their point of view was formed by the world they lived and experienced. It did not match God’s point of view in Christ Jesus.

One other to consider is the point of view of Jesus.

Jesus is love. Jesus celebrates hope, mercy, and grace. He did no wrong. No deceit came from his mouth. He returned no insult. His life was all self-giving sacrifice. Everything was about giving glory to God.

Friends, our point of view should be closer to Christ’s. A believer should stand up and sacrifice by the example of Christ’s love or fall down and weep because they denied him. If your point of view is not in Christ, in God’s eyes you are wrong.

Is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, the messiah? Or is Jesus something else to you?

Be good, be holy and preach the Gospel by the way you live your life and love one another. Praise be Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen.