Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday (Year A), March 20, 2005

BCP: Isaiah 45:21-25 or Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22:1-21 or 22:1-11; Phil. 2:5-11; Matt. (26:36-75) 27:1-54 (55-66)

RCL: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Phil. 2:5-11; Matt. 26:14—27:66 or Matt. 27:11-54

Some years ago, the late Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross wrote a marvelous book, On Death and Dying, in which she identified five more or less typical stages of human dying. Her work revolutionized both the medical and pastoral care of dying persons. At the risk of some slight injustice to both Dr. Kübler-Ross and the passion narratives, it can be instructive to look at the final days of Jesus in the context of her insights.

Among the initial reactions to learning of impending death, she observes, is isolation from family and friends. “Sit here while I go over there and pray,” says Jesus to his disciples at Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36). The dying, she states, frequently express anger toward those around them: “Then Jesus entered the temple ... and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves” (21:12). And a period of attempting to bargain with God to change one’s situation is frequently seen: “Father,” prays Jesus, “if it is possible, let this cup pass me by” (26:42).

Typically, those approaching death go through a period of profound depression. And Jesus cries out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (27:46). Finally, “good” dying demands that one finally come to terms with one’s fate and accept it. “Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit’” (Luke 23:46).

Christians, like everyone else, are destined to die. Most of us, moreover, will pass through many, if not all, of the common stages of dying identified by Dr. Kübler-Ross. We can take courage in being assured that Jesus has already died this death before us: “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4). And we can find tremendous hope in knowing that “if we have died with Christ ... we will also live with him” (Rom. 6:8).

Look It Up

What is Paul’s understanding of the relationship between baptism and the promise of our resurrection into the kingdom? (Rom. 6:1-23)

Think About It

Through which of the stages of dying have those whom we have loved passed on their way toward death? How might we personally deal with these challenges when they inevitably confront us?

Next Sunday

Easter Day (Year A), March 27, 2005

BCP: Acts 10:34-43 or Exodus 14:10-14,21-25;15:20-21; Psalm 118:14-29 or 118:14-17, 22-24; Col. 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-10(11-18) or Matt. 28:1-10

RCL: Acts 10:34-43 or Jer. 31:1-6; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Col. 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-18 or Matt. 28:1-10