Lent Day 43: Making an ass of ourself this lent

“Don’t make a fool of yourself” is something we often hear in childhood. More than the fact that we have done something wrong or foolish, it is that we have embarrassed our parents or family. It could also be that we have acted in a way which is much below our age. So don’t make a fool of yourself could also be translated as “Don’t act like a child.” Yet, Jesus asks us to do exactly that when he reminds us that unless we become like children, we won’t enter the kingdom of God.

What all would the leaders have expected of a Messiah entering Jerusalem? A huge accompaniment of soldiers, armours, weapons, priests and people. But Jesus’ entry is in stark contrast to this. He comes riding a young ass (colt/donkey), as is mentioned in St. John 12:14, “And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it.” Nothing to be proud of and nothing to write home about. Was he making a fool of himself and the respectable society of the time?

Jesus’ entry is not triumphant if you look at it from the perspective of the Pharisees, Sadducees and other leaders. It is not a choreographed event which looks nice from the outside. It has embarrassment written all over it. But there is a crowd of disciples, children, women and men who welcome him with clothes, leaves and flowers. It is what they had and not what they had to get from somewhere.

Jesus’ act reflects several things. A leader does not have to flaunt wealth and force people to spend money on celebrations and welcomes. True celebrations are not pressured ones but which come from the heart of people. Welcomes should be done with what is locally available and, in this case, it was the ass and the leaves and flowers. Such celebrations should leave a good memory for people rather than a bitter feeling of loss of money and resources. Jesus’ entry energizes the people and upsets the leaders.

We live in a culture of appeasement and show offs. Our leaders expect great welcomes and spending of money. Chariots, decorated jeeps, latest cars, and blocked roads signify importance and power. Yet, Jesus did none of this. Perhaps his followers would have done it for him but he instructs what he wants on his entry into Jerusalem. Churches and leaders can learn humility, austerity and frugality from Jesus. Many festivals are conducted by blocking roads and disturbing people. The success of an event is measured by how far people are inconvenienced. This lent, we need to rethink this and follow the path of Jesus, seated on an ass, with minimum comforts and needs. Amen.