By Debbie Bosak

   Palm Sunday. What started as Jesus entering Jerusalem in glory to the cheers of the adoring crowds ended in such tragedy. How could things go "south" so quickly?

   With the benefit of hindsight, we know that Jesus entered the city to face what was to come on Calvary. We focus on our Lord, along with the great pain and suffering he was about to face. Even worse, he seemed to know what was to come.

   The physical pain our Jesus suffered was horrific. I have to believe that the emotional pain was just as bad.

   Betrayal. Cowardice. Hypocrisy.

   Scripture tells us that as he rode the colt into the city, the road was lined with people spreading their cloaks on the road and waving palm branches. Palms at that time signified victory, triumph, and ironically, peace.

   Where were all these adoring people when the soldiers came to take Jesus away? Did any of them stand up bravely to testify on behalf of Jesus at his trial? Their cries of joy rang out on Palm Sunday, but where were their cries of outrage on Good Friday?

   I often wonder if the outcome would have been different if all these folks came together to say no, this is not going to happen to this man. Would the world be different today?

   Silence can sometimes be just as injurious, just as painful, as physical violence. Silence can kill.

   That, I think, is one of the things we might ponder this coming Good Friday. Sure, it's easy to be filled with sorrow for something that happened to Jesus centuries ago. We can tell ourselves that because it's in the past, there's nothing more to be done.

   But how often in our lives have we stayed silent instead of speaking up when we see an injustice? How many times have we looked the other way when we see a homeless person without so much as a smile? Do we have a care for the person begging for food? Do we offer support for the child or young person being bullied? Do we reach out to those grieving in silence?

   How often have we stood in solidarity for others in need?

   I believe that by making an effort to be there for others, we are indeed standing as Jesus for others, even all these years later.