Holy Monday is Significant - two reasons - particularly important. First - Holy Monday set up the events which happened on Maundy Thursday - clearing the temple - Jesus criticized the leaders who allowed - promoted the activity happening in the temple. His teachings rebuked the religious leaders overtly - telling a parable meant to criticize them (Matthew 21:45-46) - religious leaders had been concerned about Jesus before this - his actions on Holy Monday - Holy Tuesday clinched it - they wanted him dead. Second - Jesus describes these teachings - parables as being about the kingdom of God. They use different images - words but are all about two ideas - God will offer the kingdom to unexpected people - when the kingdom arrives in full - there will be judgment. In simple terms - Jesus made corrupt leaders uncomfortable - exposing their wrong doings - making Him go away - permanently - their goal. Getting Judas to help - sealed that deal.
In Jesus' day - even today - corrupt leaders everywhere afraid of being exposed - loss of authority - power - money - too important to many - to lose. We are now in our countdown to the end of Lent - only 3 days remaining. Three days to reflect on those things that we are guilty of doing - not doing. Very unlikely any of us as bad as the religious leaders in Jesus' time - our sins - more ordinary - much less serious. In these last days - confession - prayers - placing ourselves in His presence - leads us much closer to that brass ring - holiness.
Deacon Dale
