I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
Nelson Mandela
Palm Sunday recalls a great dichotomy as Christ arrives in Jerusalem. Great crowds gather with shouts of “Hosanna” and hail him as a king. Yet Jesus knows that others await and will seek to convict him, torture him, and kill him. Still, Jesus is compelled to embrace all that is to come, trusting that God’s will is fulfilled.
This Sunday, our liturgy is designed to mirror the intense emotional journey of Christ and the disciples as they arrived in Jerusalem: the triumphant entry juxtaposed with the subsequent confrontation, conviction, and crucifixion. It can be challenging to allow ourselves to experience this range of feelings all at once, but the hope is that doing so will deepen our understanding of Easter and foster a stronger connection to the story.
It can greatly enhance your Palm Sunday experience to arrive early, as our service will begin in the courtyard, allowing us to reenact the triumphant entry to Jerusalem. The Gospel reading, which is longer than usual, will be read by several readers who each take a part to help us immerse ourselves in this profound story. It’s perfectly normal to find yourself feeling more emotional than is typical in worship. You may find it beneficial to remain in the Nave for a few extra minutes at the end to fully absorb the impact of this powerful service. As we continue through Holy Week we will examine each part of this story more closely.
Blessings,
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