Isaiah 50:4-9a

Lent 6 – Palm Sunday – Year A

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Wild flight of fancy – Read this passage from Isaiah as though spoken by a donkey. The only tricky part is reading verse 4 from The Message about "a well-taught tongue" rather than the NRSV, "the tongue of a teacher".

"Let us stand together" is an important line here. In this solidarity we can take part in the "singing union" tradition. We can face any disappointment together. The disappointment of promises broken or good faith betrayed is all too frequent, but standing together is a comfort and a strength.

"Let's take our stand together." What else is there, inasmuch as "the only holiness is social holiness."

Donkey and Jesus and Disciples and Fawners and Onlookers and Wiretappers and Agents Provocateur all standing together. No wonder the word is Hosanna, which in its original sense is a plea to be saved. In taking our stand together (such a motley crew) we are certainly given plenty of opportunity to recognize that salvation is not something we whump up on our own. So keep standing together with all sorts of folks, even asses.