Torridge Coastal Mission Community

Reflection from Kevin Bowmaan

Luke 19.28-40 28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you, “He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (NIV)

Reflection I am writing this reflection having watched England defeat Mexico in an outstanding football match, played in Mexico City. Mexico has a Christian population of over 90%; a number the Church of England can only dream of at the present time. Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem is as close as anything in the Bible to the phenomena of passionate football support. In verses 37 and 38 we are told the whole multitude praised joyfully with loud voices, singing their song of praise. This is not an uncommon sight in football stadia around the world, and even here in England, we can experience this most Saturdays (and most other days nowadays), during the football season.

What is it that makes people so passionate about football that Christians seem unable to replicate; even though, as we see in the reading today, followers of Christ were happy to attend his approach, and cheer and sing loudly? Our services require reverence, quiet reflection and humility; with a view that solemnity is the way to approach the divine. Football allows for uninhibited emotional release in support of your team, and this fosters a sense of shared identity. Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians do tend to incorporate more cheering, clapping and singing in their services than we do in the Anglican church. This is because Anglican’s tend to channel our emotions through quiet prayer, listening or collective hymns. It is interesting to note that our “thirsty services” are a little more “Charismatic” and appear to be attracting an audience. I wonder therefore whether we should be prepared to be a little louder about our faith, not necessarily singing and chanting as we walk along the street, but in our conversations and everyday activities. How often do any of us praise the Lord in public, away from the church. Football fans do this all the time; perhaps, we could learn something from them, in our passions for Christ. Amen

Let us pray:

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000) (including the Psalter as published with Common Worship), material from which is included here, is copyright ©The Archbishops' Council 2000

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