Sunday 10 April 2022

Today is Sunday the 10th of April, Palm Sunday.
As I enter into prayer today on this Palm Sunday, I slow down. I slow right down and notice where I am, I notice what is around me. In all of this, God is present. Right here, right now. God’s presence sanctifies this ordinary place, and makes it holy.

Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus dominus Deus Sabaoth
pleni sunt celi et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Holy, holy, holy lord, the God of Sabaoth
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

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 19:28-40
After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
‘Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!’
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’

The very title of today suggests spectacle. And seemingly, quite deliberately, Jesus takes care to set the stage for all those who believe. For once, Jesus places himself at the centre of attention.
Can you place yourself in this scene? Perhaps as one of the disciples, the, possibly secret follower with the colt; a member of the multitude caught up in the pomp and circumstance. Although this may be a familiar part of scripture, listen again with a fresh awareness.

As you listen to the passage again, be aware of any words or images that inspire you. How are you being called to follow the Lord?
As you spend time in prayer on this Sabbath day, at the beginning of this sacred time, share your hopes and dreams with the Lord. Feel his blessing upon you.

You have given all to me
To You, Lord, I return it
Everything is Yours, do with it what you will
Give me only your love and your grace
That is enough for me.