Palm Sunday 2020

Several years ago a speaker filled in for our Pastor on Palm Sunday. The first thing he said was, "your Pastor said I didn't have to talk about Palm Sunday but I'm going to anyway". He lifted his hand and glibly stated, "here's my palm, happy Palm Sunday".  He then began his sermon, of which I remember not. I was offended and couldn't really listen after that. I stayed for the entire service because I was part of the worship music team.  The particular denomination I was in at the time didn't formally recognize the season of Lent like some do. For example, there wasn't an emphasis to give a sacrifice during the 40 days leading up to Easter and the Resurrection. You know, like giving up something that you really enjoyed for 40 days. I have always had friends and family that did observe the practice of giving something up during this time. Admittedly, to me it seemed more ritualistic than heartfelt sometimes. But I had a friend who was in recovery from alcoholism and for her the giving up of a daily practice or favorite food was from the heart. The sacrifice that Jesus made for her when he walked beside her in her drunkenness to sobriety and the way He continued to provide grace upon grace was worth more than a small sacrifice 40 days a year. I admired her and that year began sacrificing one thing for the 40 days of Lent. It makes me pause to remember why Jesus death and resurrection are so important for us.

I admit that I love the music of Palm Sunday and I enjoy the symbolic waving of the palm leaves. But this year's Palm Sunday service was more meaningful than many before it. Mike invited me to church with him at the dining room table where we watched a video with beautiful music and our Pastor's preaching from the pulpit. We weren't dressed fancy. There was no production with lights and costumes. It was simple but so meaningful. Jesus came to our table. He was invited into our home and we enjoyed the visit.

Maybe your church doesn't make a big deal of the season of Lent. It's not wrong. Because I have worshipped with people of many different denominations over the years, I have learned to take what fits and leave the rest behind. In a time when we are isolated from those who we enjoy standing with in worship, I am trying to find some common ground in the tweets and Instagram and Facebook posts that I read. There is so much good to be found.

Those are my Palm Sunday thoughts.

Amy 

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