Today is Palm Sunday. The sun shines brightly, and there are puffy, white clouds in the sky. There are children playing in their yards, and mothers are planting beautiful flowers. Some fathers have gone fishing on a nearby lake, while others are mowing their lawns. Families have attended services this morning and shared communion with other church members. It is truly a glorious day!
I am describing normal Palm Sundays in the past, but this is not a normal Palm Sunday. The churches are closed, and families are not attending services because of a deadly disease that is claiming millions of lives across the world. The weather is gorgeous, but we are all trying to “socially distance” ourselves from others and what used to be our lives. The CDC says we all need to wear masks to stop the spread of this monster, and we need to wash our hands constantly. The county where I live has just confirmed its first COVID-19 victim. The cries of the people are the cries of those who have lost loved ones, not those who are shouting loud, Hosannas!” This day holds the fears of a nation of “once-believers.”
Into this scenario, I visualize a man in a white robe, riding on a donkey into towns and cities much-like Jerusalem. I see children placing palm branches on the road in front of that donkey. People are massing around this Man of God and Savior of the world. He is our redeemer King, and children are singing praises and hosannas to this Man of Love. He is the King of Israel and David’s royal Son, coming to bring hope to a darkened world.
The angels are praising Jesus Christ and all creation. All mortals are singing, “All glory, laud, and honor to our redeemer King.” The multitudes have come to see this Man of Peace; praise, prayers, and anthems rise up to meet Him, walking among all who love Him. Before His passion on Good Friday, we sing hymns of praise, and choirs raise their melodies to the One who comes in the name of the Lord. “All glory, laud, and honor to our redeemer King.” Accept our praises, Lord God of Israel, and honor our prayers with Your blessing. You are the author of all goodness, oh kind and gracious Son of God. We sing, “All glory, laud, and honor to You, our redeemer King.”
May our children be carried in Your arms on their blessed journey; may the fears that grip our nation be vanquished by Your hope and light. May we walk in Your love and be beacons of caring in this darkened world of COVID-19. May we trust that You will always be by our side. We ask your grace and understanding for our medical personnel who are making difficult choices and sacrifices so that we may live on in Your beautiful creation. Help our government officials to make caring decisions for the massive processes needed to defeat this disease. Be with us, Lord, and all of the tribes of Israel; heal our non-believing hearts and bring peace to our world. This we ask in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God and our redeemer King. A-men.
Anna Hartt
