Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with a protest. As we mark Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we shout "Hosanna!" carrying palms and singing hymns as we make our way to the church. Joy is appropriate. This is the celebration that the Messiah, the awaited anointed one, has come. Joy is protest. In the face of a violent (Roman) state, a celebration like this was dangerous. It was also important, to remind the people their humanity couldn’t be trampled by those Roman soldier. Joy brings us back to who (and whose) we are.
On Palm Sunday, at church palms are blessed (and often folded by children and adults into palm crosses). At Holy Communion we bring the joy of New Orleans style music in the procession. After the celebration, the sermon, and the Eucharist, the tone of the service changes. The congregation is invited to sit after receiving communion, and the Passion Gospel is read. Following ancient tradition, the congregation rises to their feet when the place where Jesus died, "Golgotha" (which means "the skull), is mentioned. The trumpet that joyfully lead the congregation's parade plays a plaintive stanza of "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" and the congregation departs in silence.
There is not dismissal, no blessing. The service continues as we gather again on Maundy Thursday at the church to remember Jesus' last supper with his disciples.
