Connecting with Scripture
Read through this scripture for Palm Sunday and then ponder the questions that help us connect with it. "The Blessed One" a poem from Jan Richardson, is typed out here for further reflection; followed by a Prayer.
Luke 19:28-40 "After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Connecting with Scripture:
Notice what gets your attention: a word, a phrase, an image, an idea, or a feeling. Circle, underline, or make a note of it.
Try 1 or 2 of these prompts for reflection:
1. For whom were the bystanders looking that day in Jerusalem?
What were the expectations?
2. For whom are you looking when we gather? How does Jesus meet or not meet your expectations? How do others we meet and get to know in the church meet and not meet your expectations?” What does that say about who/what you are looking for?
Blessing for Palm Sunday
by Jan Richardson – Circle of Grace
Blessed is the One
who comes to us
by the way of love poured out with abandon.
Blessed is the One
who walks toward us
by the way of grace that holds us fast.
Blessed is the One
who calls us to follow in the way of blessing,
in the path of joy.
Prayer
Eternal God, you call us
to ventures of which we cannot see the ending,
by paths as yet untrodden,
through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out with courage,
not knowing where we go,
but only that your hand is leading us,
and your love supporting us;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
( Prayer from Voices United page 915. Eric Mulner-White)
Image is by Jan L. Richardson - The Painted Prayer Book - it depicts the robes and branches that people lined Jesus' path with.