Palm Sunday is our first step into Holy Week. After forty days of preparing and fasting, we enter into the action of processions, last words, arrests and trials. We remember in real time the events of Jesus’ last week before he died. We commemorate his welcome into Jerusalem, his refusal to be the expected Messiah, and the anger people felt, and the trial and execution. It’s an intense week of ritual, meaning and emotion.
As we begin the week, we start on a high point. We wave palms and shout “Hosanna.” This ancient cry foreshadows the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. After all, “Hosanna” is not a cry of victory, but translates as “God save us.” We need God, and God is coming towards us, to take our nature from one that naturally fills tombs, to show us the way out of the tomb.
So, I invite you to submerse yourself into our worship this week. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday are some of our most ancient rituals. Each Sunday we remember the Last Supper, to “do this, in remembrance of [Jesus].” During Holy Week services we will wash feet, lay stones at the foot of the cross, and light the new fire of Easter. I hope you will join us for services at 7 p.m. each night (and also noon on Good Friday).
Today is Palm Sunday. Today is the day we hail “the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” Today we recall our enthusiasm and joy in the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. True, we will not always be so faithful. True, we will not always be so trusting. But I think it is worth celebrating our faith in God, waving palms and rejoicing in Jesus’ promises. We will fail and fall short. But Jesus never will.
Following the 8 a.m. service today you are welcome to help hide Easter eggs, and following the 10 a.m. service all children are welcome to hunt for them.
Prayers and Blessings,
Mother Pippa