Sunday, April , 2022
Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday)

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: (Palms) Luke19:28-40; (Passion) Isaiah 50:4-9a
– Psalm: (Palms) 118:1-2, 19-29; (Passion) 31:9-16
– Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
– Gospel Reading: Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49

The liturgical color for the day is: Purple

It was one of two parades that happened that weekend.  The other parade was a major event.  The other parade came from the west.  This parade came from the east.  But this parade was turning into a major event too.

The other parade, the one that came from the west, was the imperial parade.  This was the week of the Passover.  Pilate was making a show of his power with all those sojourners in town for the Passover.  Draped in the gaudy glory of all his imperial power there were horses and chariots.

There was also the display of the shining armor of battle.  All of it was a demonstration of power—the Roman army at his side.  It made a clear statement to those religious sojourners about where real power was located. 

But Luke tells us about this other parade that came at the city from the other way.  It is in stark and direct contrast to the parade of imperial power that came from the west.  It is the commoner’s parade.  It is Jesus in an ordinary robe riding not on a mighty horse, but on a donkey.  There is no display of armaments.  There are branches of trees.  There are palm branches and cloaks waving in the air.  There are growing crowds of people. 

The parade was happening.  Jesus in Jerusalem.  Coming in from the east.  Lights.  Camera.  Action.  Here we go.  And the band played on and the chorus sang song: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”

It is an echo of the angels at the birth.  It is an echo of the great song of Isaiah.  It is that we sing at the Lord’s Table: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.  Hosanna in the highest.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest.”

Alas, Jesus in Jerusalem.  Yes, Jesus in Jerusalem.

This journey had been planned.  He had told them that this was his destination.  He had even told them that this was his final destination.  And the passion begins…

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk