Palm Sunday

Readings

“I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”

Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 22:14-23:56

Prayer

Loving One,
Help us open our hearts
Show us the way of your wisdom
Help us find you
in silence,
in conversations, and
in beholding the beauty of your creation.
Give us the patience
to embrace our imperfections
as we keep reaching for you.

Reflection

The procession into Jerusalem is the prelude to the Passion of Jesus.

Reading the Passion, we cannot help but feel disappointed in Jesus's disciples. They argue over which one of them is the greatest. They fall asleep when Jesus is in anguish on the Mount of Olives. Peter denies knowing Jesus three times the same night he declared, "I'm ready to go with you, both to prison and to death!" The disciples seem so not ready to participate in the most wonderful events in human history — Jesus's death and resurrection and the spreading of the Good News.

Today, we are reminded that change happens not by a group of perfect individuals but by a community of imperfect humans who long for God. We may feel angry, disappointed, and misunderstood by those who are supposed to be "on our side." We may feel like we ourselves are not good enough to change the world for the better. But Jesus encourages us to be hopeful. He welcomes the joyful shouts of the crowd of imperfect humans who made up his disciples.

Suggestion for almsgiving

I invite you to donate to an organization that sparks a feeling of hope in you. Mine is the Fireplace Community, an intentional community in Chicago.