Palm Sunday Revelation
Elaine Poproski Download: Audio Notes
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 (NRSV)
1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. Read more…
Looking to Sunday
by Elaine Poproski
Have you seen this one:
Lent is the 6 weeks leading up to Easter, during which we intentionally turn our focus to the cross and to Jesus’ extraordinary sacrifice on our behalf. In Christian tradition, we fast during Lent; we give up something like coffee or chocolate or television or (fill in the blank with whatever stands as a buffer between you and God). We invite the discomfort, weakness, and vulnerability of the wilderness in expectation that God shows up in that place and does good work in us in that place. But the thing is, traditionally, we choose what we’re going to give up. We may pray about it and experience God’s leading in the choice, but we still choose. And on top of that, we know it’ll end. We know Easter will arrive and our time of fasting will be over.
Except, perhaps, this year – this year, when our fasting isn’t a choice and the end is not in sight.
It’s hard to believe this Sunday is Palm Sunday. Other years we’ve gathered together and waved palm branches as we sang, doing our best to not jab anyone in the eye accidentally. We’ve joined the crowds lining the road into Jerusalem, witnessing the triumphant, prophetic drama of Jesus’ last voluntary trek into the city. We’ve shouted alongside the disciples: Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest heaven!
This year, we won’t be together – at least, not in person. This year, we won’t have palm branches (unless you bought your own). This year, we won’t be able to hear each other shout or sing our praise to Jesus because as great as Zoom is, it can’t handle more than one person talking or singing at the same time. And yet, it is possible that this will be one of the most meaningful Palm Sundays we have ever experienced. It is possible that we’ve been apart for long enough that our longing to be with each other and with other people may help us identify with Israel’s longing for their Messiah. Maybe our own crisis makes us understand their crisis a bit more clearly. Maybe, even as we sit alone or with one or two other people this Palm Sunday morning, we will know the kind of longing that Jesus offers to fill.
As you prepare for Sunday, perhaps spend some time acknowledging before God the things you miss the most during this weird time in history. And as you acknowledge what you’re missing, leave room for God to help you understand the work He wants to do in you during these days of forced fasting. Will you let Him do that work? Will you allow this time of loss to also be a time set apart for God?
If you want to join us Sunday morning, send me an email and I’ll send you the details of how to do that. We’re also meeting at 8:00 p.m. every night (except Sunday) for a brief check-in and prayer time. If you’d like to join us, send me an email so I can help you do that.