“From Hosanna! to Crucify Him!”
Palm Sunday worship is a unique blend of celebration and condemnation; moving from excitement and joy to grief and despair. There’s really no other occasion in the church year that takes us on such a wild ride. After all, we gather in the narthex, a little crowded and trying not to smack anyone in the face with our long, thin palm leaves. The Gospel account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is read, the doors to the sanctuary are opened wide, the music of organ and brass spill out, and we hear the stirring notes of “All Glory, Laud and Honor” as we move forward. The singing usually sounds a little thin at first, but as we move forward, increasing our numbers and feeling the fullness of the organ, we find ourselves fully joining in raising praise to our Redeemer King.
As the service progresses, the sermon is replaced by an account of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of our Lord. Several readers provide the voices of the main characters, and those of us sitting in the pews have the uncomfortable task of speaking the words of the mob at Jesus’ mock trial before Pontius Pilate. As Pilate asks which prisoner to release, we call for Barabbas, a thief and violent criminal to be freed. And when he asks how to punish the apparently harmless Jesus, we shout for him to be crucified — several times. Saying those words of hatred and viciousness, I feel guilt wash over me, along with the realization that my sins and the sins of all people are the burden Christ took to the cross, where he made the ultimate sacrifice for every one of us.
As spring arrives in the usual three-steps-forward, two-steps-back fashion, the significant days of Holy Week fit naturally into the seasonal rhythm. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem to praise and celebration, spends quiet time with those closest to him as he prepares them for what lies ahead. But he then steps into a dangerous, volatile situation that spirals downward into a shocking, brutal death and the fear and devastation of his followers.
Our congregation is fragmented and scattered around the area, as we conscientiously make an effort to avoid causing the spread of the corona virus. As Palm Sunday approaches, we know it will be like none that we’ve ever experienced, and we are feeling disoriented and deprived. But that doesn’t mean the events of Holy Week are any less significant, or any less a meaningful time for thoughtful prayer and meditation. It will be challenging to feel worshipful as we sit in our living rooms, listen to some music, and follow the online service instead of gathering in our sanctuary to share this important week in the church year. But this is a way for us to gather, however awkward or unnatural it feels, and we’ll hear again the story of the boundless love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord.
(Please read Matthew 21:1-10 and Matthew 26:47-56, 27:11-61)
Sharing this challenging journey
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers