Palm Sunday

We begin our celebration of Holy Week with Palm Sunday in 4 days.  Between my trip to Jerusalem last summer and our Lenten Study of “The Last Week,” my understanding of the significance of this event has deepened greatly. 

There were two processions into Jerusalem on that day – the Roman one, bringing Pontius Pilate, from the West, and Jesus and his followers from the East.  The first was a display of military power and presence, the second one the culmination of the journey of a prophet, who goes to Jerusalem to die.  The ruling aristocracy of the Jews attending the Roman procession, while “the least of these” welcomed Jesus and prepared his way with branches from olive trees (there were no palm tree in Jerusalem at that time!) and their own cloaks. The Romans probably paid no attention to the other procession, if they were even aware of it, yet Jesus and his disciples were keenly aware of the other because of the Jews complicit acceptance of Roman rule, which secured their way of life.

The Greek Orthodox Church actually begins their celebration of Holy Week on the Saturday night before Palm Sunday with a service almost like the Easter Vigil that takes place the following week.  They prepare themselves for the passion by celebrating in their worship the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.  They take the time to “see” where they are going so that they are not overwhelmed  with Jesus’ Passion.  It is beautiful tradition.

Unfortunately our liturgical tradition does not seem to spend much time (in the grand scheme of things) on the triumphant side of Palm Sunday.  In order to countermand that imbalance, the efforts of the Adult choir and the Tone Chimes have focused on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem rather than then his passion.  We will get there soon enough.  I thank Andrew Brothers, our Minister of Music, for this suggestion and for all of the musicians who are participating.  For those in the congregation, I invite you to dwell within the glory of Palm Sunday that assures of Jesus’ ultimate victory.  Even though we know there is much more to come, we do give thanks and praise for Jesus courageous willingness to confront the authorities of the day with the Truth.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

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