Praying Palm Sunday

Jesus’ entering Jerusalem is doing an old thing in a new way. There’s no way he can rival the power of the Roman Empire. And he doesn’t try to. He confronts violent, violating power with the principled power of nonviolent love. What is stirring in your soul where some power structure must be redressed? Jesus prays to the Father: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Be an answer to Jesus’ prayer.

– Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE

On Palm Sunday, we begin the journey to Calvary that we will live out across the next week. We are invited to join the crowd in shouting "Hosanna" and "Crucify." And we are invited to accompany our Lord in the dramatic events of his final days.

How will you journey alongside Jesus this week? 

Audio:

The Passion According to Luke

The Passion According to Matthew

Sermons:

• "United with Christ in Suffering and Glory" – Br. Jonathan Maury
  On a second Palm Sunday in pandemic times, Br. Jonathan Maury encourages us to join in Holy Week with hope, knowing that we will be supported and strengthened.
• "The Weight of the Cross" – Br. Geoffrey Tristram
  On Palm Sunday in the midst of the pandemic, Br. Geoffrey Tristram invites us to be guided by our thirst, trusting that God will meet us here.
• "Lovely Be" – Br. Luke Ditewig
  On Palm Sunday, Br. Luke Ditewig sings a song of love unknown, our Savior’s love—to you, to me.
• "Exceeding Expectations" – Br. Jim Woodrum
  The story of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem invites us to investigate our own expectations as a way of drawing into a deeper understanding of God.
• "Why?" – Br. David Vyrhof
  Why must God’s Servant enter into the darkest rhythms of the human condition? Perhaps it’s the only way they can be challenged and undone, once and for all.
• "Singing Hosanna, Screaming Crucify" – Br. James Koester
  Palm Sunday is a chance to discover once more all that is within us, both light and dark, both good and evil.
• "Steal Away" – Br. Tom Shaw
  Letting the power of Jesus' humility, self-sacrifice, and surrender soak into us during Holy Week gives us the power to stand on the edge of glory every day.