Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. (Mark 11: 8-11)

Another bit of backstory: The crowds are shouting a phrase from Psalm 118. This is a hymn of victory probably written to celebrate an ancient military triumph.

Immediately prior to the phrases quoted in Mark the psalmist wrote, "Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!" (Psalm 118: 25).

What is success? The Hebrew and Aramaic for success are very similar. In each case the word is a verb. It is an unfolding, progressing, advancing action.

Success is not a static noun. It is not a triumphal procession. It is not a substantial bank account. It is not the adulation of the crowd.

Success is a continuous unfolding of the true self into the intended self of God.