This week we continue a journey which began a few weeks ago at the beginning of Lent.
During this period of Lent we have remembered the ministry of Jesus; a ministry during which he gathered around him those who would become some of his closest friends.
They were sometimes hesitant; sometimes confused; sometimes aware in whose company they were and from whom he had come.
For today we begin the final preparations – we walk with others through this Holy Week.
Palm Sunday (Matthew ch 21 vs 1-11)
Jesus entered Jerusalem at the time of Passover feast when the city was crowded with pilgrims, riding on a donkey as the prophet had foretold.
The events of the week start to unfold.
Verses from hymn 370 in CH4
Ride on, ride on the time is right:
the roadside crowds scream with delight;
palm branches mark the pilgrim way
where beggars squat and children play.
Ride on, ride on, while well aware
that those who shout and wave and stare
are mortals who, with common breath,
can crave for life and lust for death.
Ride on, ride on, God’s love demands;
justice and peace lie in your hands.
Evil and angel voices rhyme:
this is the man and this the time.