Palm Sunday Year A

Sunday 13 April 2014 Palm Sunday - Matthew 21: 1 – 11

Back to the Matthew gospel for the account of the approach to Jerusalem with the celebration of much prophecy fulfilled with echoes of Isaiah and Zechariah. Some spread coats on the road, others cut branches from the trees as the Psalm is sung in jubilation: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:26). It feels like it was a sunny day – full of smiles and laughter – when people sing and dance out of a sense of joy and happiness. But why this impromptu festival? And why now? We could speculate, but one consistent theme of the ministry of Jesus is this – The Kingdom of God will change everything. So the carnival features a donkey and a man dressed in normal clothing. His entourage wield branches and cloaks, not swords and shields. They seem more focused on the Rabbi than on the enemy. This is no rabble entering Jerusalem to make trouble, this is a celebration of God’s Kingdom coming before their eyes.

Let us spend some time reflecting on the majesty of Jesus today. He is holy, and chooses to gently ride into the future with hope and not fear. His might is understated. His seeking for justice is the determination written on his face. He knows, with assurance, that the Father is with him. Our daily witness should be to be more like THIS Jesus in our walk of faith – and look to whatever the future brings with a sure and steady hope. “We have a hope that is steadfast and certain” StF327