"Have An Apocalyptic Day." Excursus: Hosanna to the Rider

 

Giotto di Bondone, Entry into Jerusalem (Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, c. 1305)

Our Apocalypse is about to get dark. 

You knew it was coming, if you have any familiarity with the Book of Revelation. Once the Lamb begins to open the seven seals, a lot of what takes place--whether it's read as symbolic or literal, a present reality or a future woe--is not pretty. 

Revelation Chapter 6 introduces us to the famed "Four Horsemen", bringing war, violence, famine and pestilence into our vision. 

Before we go there, I think it's vitally important that we get a reminder of whose hand is unsealing these scrolls; whose hand is directing everything else that unfolds. So I'm going to share a poetic excursus, based on the life and earthly ministry of Jesus, and centered in Palm Sunday, on which our Lord was the most important rider, and he came in peace.

Excursus: Hosanna to the Rider

Hosanna to the rider who brings peace

By colt, not horse, to bless Jerusalem

With palms, we greet his rescue and release

Whose sword is truth, and thorns his diadem.

Hosanna to the rider’s plenteous hand

Which loaves and fishes blessed, and shared for free

Whose hoofbeats echo healing through the land

Whose voice the deaf shall hear, and blind shall see.

Hosanna to the rider who dismounts

From heav’nly status, and from earth’s acclaim

Becoming sin, to settle our accounts

To offer righteousness, accepting shame.

Peace, freedom, plenty, healing, is our Lord

In whose strong name creation is restored.