Palm Sunday

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!”

—Mark 11.8-9

Greetings of Palm Sunday dear friends!

I have to admit that the enthusiastic crowd of Palm Sunday often makes me feel uneasy, knowing how the story unfolds as Holy Week progresses. Many of the same people who so joyfully greet Jesus, as he rides on a humble donkey into Jerusalem, will shout, "Crucify him!" only a few days later, when given the choice to free either Barabbas or Jesus. Surely Jesus understands the unstable hearts of people and, nevertheless, chooses to love us so profoundly. Each step into Holy Week is a step of Great Love.

This week while I was reviewing some writings about Palm Sunday, I encountered one by Jan Richardson that seemed so fitting for the days we are in now. I decided to share her reflection, blessing and reflection questions. I pray they will bless you as you begin the journey through Holy Week towards the joy of Easter. ~Donna

"What is the difference between a sacred procession and a violent mob? The answer lies somewhere between Palm Sunday and Good Friday. As we enter this stretch of the season, we might do well to linger long with this turning of the tale. In this time when it has grown so difficult to discern the truth among the multiplicity of messages and to resist being manipulated by those who do the telling, the ancient story of Christ’s journey to the cross has something to teach us about whose voice we listen to, and what parade we choose to join.

But for today, we turn our ears toward the sound of rejoicing. Today we join our voices with the cries that sing praise to the one who comes in the name of the Lord. And we pray for wisdom, that we may see the Christ who enters again into our midst, and rejoice when we recognize him, and follow in the way that he goes."

Song: You do not walk alone - Elaine Hagenberg (Traditional Irish Blessing)

https://youtu.be/gNCj2KW-JFk?si=fg_51EG4UU5mPABx

Blessing of Palms

This blessing

can be heard coming

from a long way off.

This blessing

is making

its steady way

up the road

toward you.

This blessing

blooms in the throats

of women

springs from the hearts

of men

tumbles from the mouths

of children.

This blessing

is stitched into

the seams

of the cloaks

that line the road,

etched into

the branches

that trace the path,

echoes in the

breathing of the willing colt,

the click of the donkey’s hoof

against the stones.

Something is rising

beneath this blessing.

Something will try

to drown it out.

But this blessing

cannot be turned back,

cannot be made

to still its voice,

cannot cease

to sing its praise

of the one who comes

along the way

it makes.

—Jan Richardson

For reflection (from Jan Richardson):

As we accompany Christ, who draws ever closer to the cross this week, what voices are you listening to?
What messages are coming your way—from the media, from friends and family, from the community around you, from your own soul and mind?
What are you hearing, and how do you sift and sort it?
To whom are you listening these days, and why?
Where and how do you choose to lift your own voice?