Good Morning, Today is Palm Sunday, and our friend Matthew has prepared our thought for the day, and prayer
Reading – Matthew 21: 1-11 (New International Version)
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
This is the passage from the lectionary this week. It’s one that is familiar to many people, but I think it takes on a completely new meaning in our lives right now. In verse 8 we see the community coming together to show hospitality and appreciation for someone they may never have met.
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
One of my favourite quotes comes from a public children’s television host named Mr. Rogers. He once said “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’”
I continue to be amazed with how communities stand together and help one another in difficult times. How have you seen the ‘helpers’? And how have you seen or been a part of ‘laying down your cloak’ for someone else?
Prayer:
Gracious God, we are unsure.
We don’t know how long this will be the new normal. Our lives are in turmoil and many of us feel alone. Some of us are feeling stir-crazy from being inside all day and some of us are even starting to miss school. We miss our friends, our relatives, and our neighbours.
Please help us to see the helpers. Whether they are the staff in the hospitals, the neighbours who offer to get the groceries, the friends who call to check in, the organizers who try to create fun things on zoom, or those sharing activity and recipe ideas help us to see them as your message of hope.
Help us to be mindful of the way in which we interact with others. We are all stressed and tired. Please help us to love one another even as they are driving us crazy.
Please be with first responders and medical staff. Help them to see the good they are doing and the appreciation we feel for them. Please help them stay encouraged.
Please help us all to feel some measure of your presence with us and comfort knowing that this too will pass.
And now we join to say the prayer you gave us:
Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial. And deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory. Are yours now and forever. Amen
