Palm Sunday Practice 2021
The Victory Parade of Jesus | John 12:12-19; Mark 11:1-11
It’s an understatement to say that a lot has happened this year. In times of stress and uncertainty, when we’re threatened by things beyond our control (like COVID-19), our nervous systems go into overdrive – what we call fight or flight – to protect us. When such stress is prolonged, like we’ve been living day to day for the past year, it can result in symptoms such as irritability, impulsiveness, moodiness, frustration, rigidity in thoughts, apathy, memory problems, and a general feeling of numbness. Does any of that sound familiar?
We are created beings made up of systems and ecologies. Our body, mind and spirit are connected and interdependent. When we’re anxious we feel it in our bodies as well as our minds. A lot has happened this past year to stress and stretch us. And a lot can happen in 7 days. As we reflect upon the climactic week in the life and ministry of Jesus you’re invited to spent 5-15 minutes each day reflecting on the story at the core of our faith and the story unfolding in you, your body, and among us today.
Each day’s practice will include a reading from the gospels describing the life of Jesus in the key 7 days and also a physical &/or discipline to help connect your mind and body and spirit.
Today, remember the triumphal entry of Jesus by making a cross with a palm branch. Use the instructions in the care package or online HERE. As you fold the branches think of and name the ways you’ve been bent out of shape or broken this year. As those thoughts come, stop, and give them to God…then continue until you finish the cross. When you finish the cross, close with prayer. Place the cross somewhere you’ll easily see and encounter throughout the coming 7 days.
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