Fill Jesus Up
Do you know the song “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore? While I might be dating myself on that one, I grew up listening to “the oldies.” In reading today’s Gospel, this is what popped in my head. For not only did I read the Gospel, but also the verses that come after it where Jesus laments for Jerusalem. Jesus is crying at His own party.
Have you ever felt sad at a party? I have. Now that I think about it, I may have felt sad at a party on more than one occasion. What would cause one to be sad at their own party?
- Knowing that the joy and fun of the party will come to an end.
- Maybe a certain special person isn’t there that you wanted to be there.
- Realizing that you have spent so much time making sure that everything is “just so” that you miss the moments of connection (I call this a Martha Moment).
There most certainly may be more, but you get the idea. While I have never experienced anything like Jesus did, I can imagine that this event was anything but celebratory for Him, or was it? What would cause Him to be sad at His party?
- He is aware that this moment is fleeting.
- He is aware that terrible suffering is looming.
- He is aware that His disciples aren’t quite getting it and that is frustrating.
- He is aware that He is going to die a very painful and humiliating death in a few days.
With all this being known, does He participate in the party? He most certainly does! How can I tell? He rebukes the Pharisees. Jesus is enjoying the celebration and wants it to keep going. It may be just what He needs knowing what He knows. The cheers of recognition and love are filling His cup before His cup is emptied.
Take the opportunity of this Palm Sunday to fill up Jesus’s cup before He pours it all out for us this Holy Week. Give Him everything you have by prayer and supplication so that Good Friday is so, so good!
Thank you, Jesus, for preparing such a tremendous banquet for us. We can’t wait to join you at the heavenly feast where there will be no more crying. Ever.