A Lesson in Conflict

Palm Sunday

For Catholics, we'll go to church this Sunday and read the gospel of Mark recalling the Passion of Christ. It's a long one! But then we get a reward of a palm frond. Kinda like a lollipop after the doctor's visit. You may find yourself thinking, "We've read this so many times! I know it by heart!" My challenge to you: If you truly know it by heart, you'll have a real change in your heart.

I read a great reflection on Palm Sunday and what it can teach us about how to face conflict. The image of Jesus riding into town on this cute little donkey all seems so peaceful and joyful. But brewing just under the surface is conflict. Jesus willingly enters a place where people are plotting to kill him. We can take three big lessons away from this:

First, Jesus didn't avoid conflict. He faced it head on because he knew it was the road to our redemption. Thank God (literally) that Jesus didn't head the other direction.

Second, true power lies in humility. Jesus didn't show up in Jerusalem with an army or a lawyer with a defense team read to argue his point. He came as a humble servant, ready to lay his life down for those he loved, you and me. He showed us that humility is the most effective weapon in conflict.

Third, in the midst of a conflict, it can sometimes be difficult to see the forest from the trees a.k.a. the big picture. The disciples didn't know why Jesus had to go through this trial and suffering. We often react poorly to a situation because we don't have the foresight or patience to discover the purpose.

Let's use the example of Jesus riding into Jerusalem, straight into the mouth of the beast as an opportunity to learn about how to face conflict. Don't run away. Be humble before your enemy. Try to see the big picture. I bet we'll find that the resolutions will be much more pleasing to ourselves, and to God if we follow these simple rules.

- Abby