SpiritCare Is Thinking of You

Meditation For Palm Sunday

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

​Hello,  
This is a note to let you know that we of SpiritCare Ministry are thinking of you, and praying for you. This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, which marks Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and the beginning of Holy Week. If we were in church this Sunday, our celebrations would start with the waving of palms. This part of the service is often led by children, so there is usually a festive air.  Yet, by the end of the service, a more somber note is heard. We know Good Friday is on the way. However, we also know that Resurrection Sunday will always follow. This is the promise that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection gives to us. We can believe in eternal life. 
  
Scripture: Mark 11:4-9 Common English Bible (CEB)
They went and found a colt tied to a gate outside on the street, and they untied it.  Some people standing around said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them just what Jesus said, and they left them alone. They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes upon it, and he sat on it. Many people spread out their clothes on the road while others spread branches cut from the fields. Those in front of him and those following were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"
 
Meditation 
In Mark 11, we read of Jesus being brought a colt that had never been ridden.  People threw their clothes on the colt and on the ground as Jesus rides on to Jerusalem. I have always loved this passage. It speaks of the humility of riding into Jerusalem simply, not in a chariot or on a war house as the Romans would have done, but rather on a colt that had never been ridden. This hints that something new was happening, and the people were not only excited,  they wanted to take part. They placed their clothing on the colt and on the path that lay before them.  People also brought  branches cut from the fields.
      
This Holy Week and Easter, of course will be very different for us all. There will be no elaborate gatherings.   However, I think this might be the way that Jesus wants us to note his death and resurrection - with humility and deep love, and with the knowledge that something new is about to happen.  In this, we, too can take part!   
   
Prayer
Holy One, we give you thanks for the knowledge that you are always with us, and always guiding us.  We pray for our community, that love and good health will prevail.  We pray for all of those who are tending to the sick, and for those who working to find the cures.  Help us to remember to treat everyone with compassion and love.  May our hearts always be grateful for what Jesus has done for us.    
 
In Jesus' name we pray,  Amen.   

If you have any comments, please let me know.   Bless you all.  I am so grateful for the work you do, and please take good care of yourselves. 

Blessings to you all!  Rev Sue Ann