Bishop's Lectionary Reflection
Palm/Passion Sunday, Year B
March 28, 2021

This Sunday, known as Palm/Passion Sunday is bimodal – starting with a tone of triumph as Jesus enters Jerusalem amidst praise and accolades and ending with his passion and brutal death. There is much Scripture appointed with this Sunday and all of it is worth reading:

Liturgy of the Palms:
Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
 
Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 14:1-15:47
 
As you read these Scriptures, particularly the account of the Passion in the Gospel of Mark, find a quiet place where you can sit with just your Bible and with God. Read it slowly…not quickly as you might a novel or a newspaper article…but slowly savoring and lingering over each word and phrase. Pay attention to how what you’re reading affects you. Once you have finished reading, have a conversation with God or write Him a letter…saying whatever comes to your mind. Sit for a while in God’s presence.
 
This Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week and I wish you a blessed, sacred time as we walk with Jesus from His triumph to His passion.