Palm Sunday is last Sunday in Lent and heralds the triumphal entry into Jerusalem with Jesus the liberator. Matthew writes the people shouted, “Hosanna,” which translates as “Save Us.” Some historians argue that by this time, “Hosanna” was merely a greeting, a salutation for those in power and that the translation no longer held meaning for those who lined the streets that day. Perhaps that is true, and yet, here again it was an appropriate shout to make to the one who rode into the city that day. They shouted more truth than they knew.
This Sunday also ushers in the beginning of Holy Week and what feels like defeat as we face the consequences of standing up to unjust authority. The palms that are waved at the beginning of the service become the sign of our “letting go” into the sorrow of the events of the week to come. Encouraged by the steadfast love of God expressed in the scriptures, this is a Sunday to stand up together with Jesus even in the face of adversity.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, rejoicing in this day of resurrection, we have come to celebrate the strength of your love— a love that triumphs even over death. As we exult in the miracle of your incarnate love, we thank you for the opportunity to experience the Risen Christ here in our midst. Amen.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
118:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
118:2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
118:14 The LORD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
118:15 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly;
118:16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly."
118:17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.
118:18 The LORD has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death.
118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
118:20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
118:21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
118:22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
118:23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
DAILY READINGS
- Monday, April 6, 2020: Monday of Holy Week
- Tuesday, April 7, 2020: Tuesday of Holy Week
- Wednesday, April 8, 2020: Wednesday of Holy Week
- Thursday, April 9, 2020: Maundy Thursday
- Friday, April 10, 2020: Good Friday
- Saturday, April 11, 2020: Holy Saturday
- Sunday, April 12, 2020: Easter Vigil
- Sunday, April 12, 2020: Resurrection of the Lord
- Sunday, April 12, 2020: Easter Evening
ABUNDANT HEALTH
Get Together
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)
Did you know that when individuals exercise together they release more “happy hormones” (endorphins) than when they work out alone? Working out with a friend can actually make exercise more effective and less difficult. Plus, friends can take your mind off feelings of pain or discomfort and help the time fly by.
—The Daniel Plan Team
In this time of social distancing and shelter in place, it is even more important to stay close to people in spirit. Take time to call friends and family frequently. Call, text and email people who have been a part of your life and reconnect. We do not have to distance and shelter alone even if we are physically separated. Matt
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lord of all, the wealthiest among us stand as paupers before the unimaginable generosity and immeasurable love that is on the cross before us. Lord, have mercy on us, pour out your unconditional love and grace even as we turn away, and dedicate our gifts to serve others in that wondrous love. Amen. (John 18:1-19:42)
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