The people gave Jesus a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out palm branches they had cut in the fields. Running ahead and following after, they were calling out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God’s name! Blessed the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in highest heaven!” (Mark 11: 8 – 10)

When it was released back in 2004, everyone seemed to be talking about the movie The Passion of the Christ. It was am apropos title on so many levels, inciting passionate comments from many. I remember listening to an intense discussion about it when someone who had been noticeably silent was asked his opinion. When he said that he had chosen not to see the movie, he was flooded with questions as to why. He answered quietly and simply, “I read the book. I know how the story ends.”

We enter Holy Week with the proclaiming of the Passion and death of Jesus as recounted in the Gospel of Mark. We have heard it innumerable times. We have seen numerous television and movie interpretations. Still, it remains compelling and moving. We are moved at the Last Supper when Jesus shares his Body and Blood. We are saddened by the apostles deserting Jesus in the garden and angered by the high priests and Pilate and by Peter’s denial. We identify with Simon of Cyrene as he carries Jesus’ cross and by Joseph of Arimathea’s courage. We shudder as we hear the cold stone rolled against the entrance of the tomb.

But we are blessed to know that the story of our salvation does not end there in death. There will be the Alleluias of Easter to lift us up and to complete all that has happened. And while we may know the outcome, it will still remain the greatest mystery of all time.