SUNDAY SERVICE

Today marks the beginning of Holy Week.  It is now known as Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.  We give out palms commemorating Jesus entrance into Jerusalem when he was honored by the crowd who waved palms for him.  Palm fronds were used by servants of royalty to cool them in the sweltering heat.  It was an honor typically reserved for kings.  

Today we hear a reading from the New Testament recounting the days leading up to and including Jesus' death on the cross.  Like the week ahead, the day begins with joy but ends in sorrow.

Like most things in life, the greatest joy follows the worst sorrow.  Remember that when things are going bad in your life - one day he was crucified and three days later he had risen.

If you have any question about God's mercy and forgiveness, note that Peter totally denied he even knew Jesus and yet he is the one Jesus chose to lead his church when he was gone.

*O*