Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, that final portion of the Lenten discipline in which we follow Jesus to the cross. During this period, the events of the week are observed in “real time”— in the same time frame that Jesus experienced them. This morning we trace his path into Jerusalem. Then with special services and daily devotions we mark the hours through the Last Supper (Thursday), the trial and crucifixion (Thursday night and Friday) and ultimately to his resurrection (next Sunday). During Holy Week the environment will change to reflect the events in Jesus’ final week. The palms this morning recall his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and in the procession we become the people of the city, waving our branches and crying “Hosanna” as the Son of David passes.

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​Today we follow Christ from triumphal entry to the cross, each waypoint of the journey marked by Jesus’ compassion for those who would betray, mock, accuse, or do violence to him. Though persecuted and beaten, Jesus the Son of God is not disgraced; instead, he asks forgiveness for those who put him to death. We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.