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April 10 - 16, 2025
Palm Sunday - Passion Sunday
Dear Beloved in Christ,
This Sunday, we step into the tension of Palm and Passion. We wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna!”—and in the same breath, we hear the crowd cry, “Crucify him!” From Luke’s Gospel, we see Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding not a war horse, but a humble colt (Luke 19:28–40). He comes not with force, but with peace. The people cheer, yet Jesus knows the road ahead leads to suffering, betrayal, and death.
In this same liturgy, we walk the full path of Christ’s Passion (Luke 23:1–49). It is a road marked not only by human cruelty but by divine compassion. Jesus is mocked and beaten, yet does not retaliate. He is betrayed and denied, yet remains faithful. He is crucified, yet prays for his executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
This is not the story of a disgraced failure. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us, “The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced” (Isaiah 50:7). Jesus stands not in shame but in obedience, grounded in a love that will not let go, even when it hurts.
And what of us? We who have walked this Lenten road for forty days, returning again and again to the mercy of God? Paul’s words to the Philippians (2:5–11) call us deeper: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” That is, let humility be our way. Let obedience be our guide. Let love—not pride, fear, or self-preservation—define our every step.
Holy Week invites us into this sacred paradox: grief and gratitude held together. Grief for what Jesus endured. Gratitude for why he endured it—for us, and for the world God so loves.
So let us enter this Holy Week with open hearts. Let us walk with Jesus to the cross, not rushing ahead to Easter morning, but staying present to each moment of this saving journey. In the cross, we see the depth of God’s redeeming love. And in Jesus’ suffering, we glimpse the heart of God—a heart wide enough to forgive all, even those who know not what they do.
With you on the road,
Pastor Will
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