It is Passion Sunday. It is Palm Sunday. Which is it? According to our church calendar, it is both. At first, it may sound that these two Sundays just do not belong together. Passion Sunday has to do with the cries of the crucified one hanging on a rough and splintery cross. Palm Sunday has to do with joyous "Alleluias" and palm branches raised in a salute to a king and to his victory. Suffering and salutes seem out of harmony with each other. Are we to cry out in terror; or, are we to shout out for joy?

It is helpful to look at the facts concerning the so-called "Triumphant Entrance into Jerusalem." Jesus did not enter Jerusalem; he invaded it. The entrance into the Holy City was not a political plan of the disciples; it was our Lord's personal and deliberate decision. His invasion of Jeru…