A short reflection for Palm Sunday from Mike Harris
Imagine the excitement as the people took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! John 12:13.
Everything would change now. We have a new King even though he comes on a donkey.
”Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.“ Psalms 118:25-26
But within days even His greatest fan would deny him.
”Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.’“ Luke 22:34
Today though, we can enjoy the excitement and anticipation as Jesus enters Jerusalem.
Often called the ‘triumphal entry’, Palm Sunday recalls the story in scripture of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, greeted by people waving palm branches. It is a reminder for all Christians to welcome Jesus into their hearts and to be willing to follow him whatever the cost through His sacrifice.
However, as we begin Holy Week, the ‘triumph’ quickly turns into tragedy. Although it ultimately ends in victory, we remind ourselves of events leading up to the cross and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all.
Holy Week is a time to reflect, recount, remind and renew our personal commitment to the Cross, even re-approach the Cross as if for the first time. From triumph to tragedy in a few short days.
It’s a time of reflection and contemplation. A week to reset the compass of faith. It’s a time to reconsider where we are on the spectrum of faith.
It’s a time for prayer, for recommitment perhaps a little bit dialled down. Even though we know how the story unfolds We can save the exuberant celebration until next week. Meanwhile let’s enjoy the excitement of today.
This week, read and meditate on Luke 22:47-23:48 and John 19:1-37
Easter blessings
