Palm-Passion Sunday, Year C

“Hosanna!” What a word to remind us that the stories of Holy Week all occur during a time and in a place of occupation by the powerful Roman empire. “Hosanna” is not a cheerful shout. “Hosanna” means “deliver us” or “save us!” Yet our Palm Sunday hymns encourage us to domesticate the word, having little children singing hosanna. Truth be told, little children have sung Hosanna throughout the centuries, begging to be saved and delivered from the terror of empire. In our Holy Week stories, this was a particular cry during a particular time, echoing the cry in Isaiah.
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Heeding this reminder, we have changed the words to our Palm Sunday hymn to more honestly reflect the story as presented in scripture. So buckle up, O Church. The palms will be waving and the songs will be sung, but with anxious hearts and minds behind the actions and words, not unlike many in our world today. “God save us, God deliver us!” the little children sang!

Enter into worship.
 
Readings: Liturgy of the Palms: Matthew 21:1–11 † Psalm 118:19–29 ; Liturgy of the Word: Isaiah 49:5–16 † Psalm 22:1–11 † Galatians 3:23–4:7 † Mark 14:32–15:47
 
About the Art: Gertrud Nelson, with permission.

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