"We can not leap from Palm Sunday to Easter. We have to go day by day through the week of denial and betrayal to the Last Supper to arrest and trial and execution. That is the only road to Easter and that is our work this week. "
~Walter Bruegemann
Dear (Contact First Name),
My Palm Sunday memories include a parade of children waving palm branches and carrying fresh cut flowers as we made our way down the center aisle of the church to sounds of hosannas ringing through the sanctuary. Once we reached the chancel steps, we laid the branches and flowers down and made our way back to the pews where our proud parents sat.
This Sunday, in churches across the globe, there will be parades of children waving palms branches and smiling parents in the pews. This parade calls us to remember - the cheering crowds and Jesus on the back of a donkey. But there is more. There is the week that follows. A week that leads to the unthinkable - crucifixion. A week that culminates in the unimaginable - resurrection. So, wave your palm branches this Sunday but then journey through the rest of the week - Maundy Thursday and Good Friday so that you will be ready to sing Alleluia's on Easter Sunday.
