Beloved of God,

The Scripture Lessons for the Sixth Sunday in Lent / Palm Sunday are:
 
Mark 11:1-11 Triumphal entry into Jerusalem
 
This is the season of Lent. The liturgical color, for the pastor's stole and paraments (cloth hanging from the pulpit and lectern) is purple, symbolizing the divinity and royalty of Christ.
 
Roman triumphs usually occurred during Passover week as a show of Rome’s might. The governor would have been surrounded by the wealthiest and most powerful citizens. In contrast, Jesus’ march is for the people – all the people:  the hungry, the poor, the afraid. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowd responds to Jesus’ authenticity and humility. Perhaps they can see through the pageantry of the Roman parade; in contrast, the goodness of Jesus’ leadership shines through, mobilizing the crowds to take action by throwing cloaks in the street and waving palm branches in the air. The energy is infectious, a climax moment in the grassroots movement of Jesus’ ministry. This week’s sub-theme (The Good News is inspiring us to act) intentionally places us in the crowd, inviting us to shout, “Hosanna,” to throw our coats down, and to wave branches. What will the good news inspire us to do? How will the Gospel move us? As we head into Holy Week, how will we put Jesus’ teachings into practice?

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In God’s Love, Rev. Amie