Liturgy of the Palms
April 2, 2023
Matthew 21:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
O eternal God, like those early folk who lined the road into Jerusalem as Jesus passed by we too are guilty of holding the wrong hopes and expectations from him. They wanted a warrior. We too idolize and place our trust in warriors and superior and sophisticated weaponry. They wanted a political solution where Jesus would take power. We too want to trust more in might and in power. They wanted revenge. We too often inwardly want and crave for revenge. They identified their oppressors as evil. We too are inclined toward the simplistic and we want to divide up the world into good and evil people.
Gentle Jesus, parade yourself again on this Palm Sunday. And do not pass by but stay and invade the inward citadels of our souls with your ways. Correct us where we go astray. Assist us with the almost impossible human task of loving the unlovable which includes our enemies. Help us to learn how to transcend the differences we have and to learn the art of reconciliation and forgiveness. Bring peace to our souls, O Prince of Peace!
Make us a part of a great Christian force which brings healing of the human spirit and joy and laughter to our broken world. Help us not to use our faith to build walls, to condemn anyone in your human family, to support our wars or our politics, or to set us apart from others. Instead may we be made more aware of our identification and bond with all of your children.
For those who suffer and mourn we ask your care. For our divided world we ask for a vision among its leaders to work for peace and reconciliation. Amen
April 2, 2023
Matthew 21:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
O eternal God, like those early folk who lined the road into Jerusalem as Jesus passed by we too are guilty of holding the wrong hopes and expectations from him. They wanted a warrior. We too idolize and place our trust in warriors and superior and sophisticated weaponry. They wanted a political solution where Jesus would take power. We too want to trust more in might and in power. They wanted revenge. We too often inwardly want and crave for revenge. They identified their oppressors as evil. We too are inclined toward the simplistic and we want to divide up the world into good and evil people.
Gentle Jesus, parade yourself again on this Palm Sunday. And do not pass by but stay and invade the inward citadels of our souls with your ways. Correct us where we go astray. Assist us with the almost impossible human task of loving the unlovable which includes our enemies. Help us to learn how to transcend the differences we have and to learn the art of reconciliation and forgiveness. Bring peace to our souls, O Prince of Peace!
Make us a part of a great Christian force which brings healing of the human spirit and joy and laughter to our broken world. Help us not to use our faith to build walls, to condemn anyone in your human family, to support our wars or our politics, or to set us apart from others. Instead may we be made more aware of our identification and bond with all of your children.
For those who suffer and mourn we ask your care. For our divided world we ask for a vision among its leaders to work for peace and reconciliation. Amen