I offer blessings from Chuckatuck on the first Sunday in April and the Sunday before Easter – Palm Sunday. Spring is gaining traction in our community and the heavy pollen producers are turning to flowers and leaves on plants and trees. We still celebrate the buttercups in the yard and give thanks for those who helped clean up the yard before Easter. May the last week before Easter, Holy Week, is filled with blessings in our reflections as we make final preparations for our celebration of the Resurrection. Blessings to you all.

In worship today, we heard the recounting of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We are reminded that are rewarded by reflecting on God’s mighty acts and desire to be connected to humanity through Christ’s presence. Our reading from the Prophet Isaiah in Hebrew scripture was taken from the Servant song. Isaiah reminded his people and us that God is constantly with them and upholds humanity day-by-day. Isaiah also reiterates for all to remember that if God is on our side, we cannot be declared guilty. The Psalmist sang a song asking God for mercy when they were in trouble and beset by the world. They also remind us that God’s loving-kindness will save us. The Epistle was from the letter to the Philippians and confirmed that we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus, God incarnate, made the same journey we do. The gospel was Matthew’s recounting of Jesus betrayal, conviction, and crucifixion.

Today’s homily serves to assure us that the message of Palm Sunday is not “sin and highlighting the evilness of humanity.” Our lessons help us remember that Christ walks with us in the storms of life and that God never leaves us to suffer alone. God is with us in our pain, and Jesus confirms God’s connection to humanity.

I invite your comments,
Les+

Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66

Listen at: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-1/song/homily-from-palm-sunday

Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/7KvkPUvH3iA

Video of worship: https://youtu.be/KpZ-TuNAX5M