This week’s “Bringing Sunday into Monday” post highlighted this quote from the Palm Sunday sermon: “Use each and every emotion we feel to connect with God. When you feel excited or hopeful, give thanks to God. When you feel tired and worn out, find a place to rest in God’s presence, even if it’s for a minute. When you feel hopeless or afraid, cry out to God to save us. When you feel disappointed, ask God to remind you of God’s presence. When you feel joyful, allow that feeling to carry you to God.”
The Triumphal Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem at the beginning of Holy Week is the story of hope entering our lives in unexpected ways. We are always in need of hope, which we share every Holy Week…but this year feels different.
The people in Jerusalem shouting “Hosanna!” – which means “save us!” – were likely struggling with a number of emotions just as we are today in the face of COVID-19. Fear, frustration, and anxiousness because of the presence of Roman occupiers. Hope, joy, and excitement at the prospect of beings saved. Reluctance, doubt, and skepticism as Israel had seen supposed saviors come and go throughout their history of oppression by nations like Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Greece, and now Rome.
While the struggle we face is far different from the oppression Israel felt, I do feel connected to this story more this year because I have felt these emotions. Fear, frustration, and anxiousness about our country’s leadership and my own ability to lead; and the toll that this virus is taking on so many lives and livelihoods. Hope, joy, and excitement of the silver linings, good news, and good work being done in our world. I would add in appreciation for so many working to keep us going: from nurses and doctors to grocery worker and delivery people. Reluctance, doubt, and skepticism as the horizon of this era is still so foggy…
At the end of the day, the Palm Sunday story provides hope. For some of us, it could be a tidal wave of hope; for others, a sliver. But it always brings hope. So as we lay down our proverbial palm branches and cloaks to welcome Jesus into our lives, let us pick up the hope that Jesus provides.
(Below is the Palm Sunday worship service video)
Pastor Drew's Desk 
Thank you for this wonderful message Palms, Cloaks and Hope. I am so thankful for my mother who taught her children to have Hope and Trust in God through all of life’s disappointments and difficulties. I am constantly telling my cousin’s wife to have Hope & Trust that the Good Lord has everything under control. I’m praying so much for her and others who are so worried. I’m thankful for your messages — you and others have been doing a wonderful job keeping in touch with everyone. Blessings, Emily Stephen
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