A few years ago, our family traveled to Alabama for spring break. I believe in total we were in the car for 16 hours. Some would say it was a manageable trip for a family of six, all packed up in the family minivan. Others of you might have a few other choice words for the adventure. We sang, we ate, we danced, we even got out and ran around the van to wake up from all the mind-numbing screen time teenagers can get lost in these days.
When the first eyes were laid on the Gulf of Mexico, however, the car volume instantly rose to a deafening level. A reminder to my wife and me of how important it is to stop, create, and share in those moments together. There was so much joy and praise in that moment.
The joy available to us as a family that week was amazing. In fact, it reminds me of what it must have been like when the crowds learned of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem for the preparation of the Passover. When I read the stories about crowds of people with Jesus, there always appears to be a heightened level of joy and praise associated with the miracles and teachings by Jesus.
So, it shouldn’t surprise us that shouts of praise and joy from the crowds were the result of not only the miracles associated with Jesus, but the new reality that God had come down and was opening up heaven for all people. Love was on full display for everyone, not just a chosen few.
Growing up, I remember the profound joy and songs of praise celebrated in my home church on Palm Sunday. The doors of the church would open and the fragrant air of eucalyptus trees and fresh spring flowers would meet all of us sitting in the pews. The organ would be on full blast as the congregation processed out the doors of the church with palm branches, belting out the hymn “All Glory, Laud and Honor.” The smiles, the joy, the songs of praise being sung in perfect four-part harmony would fill the street of Wright Avenue in Sunnyvale and then back into the sanctuary.
The truth is Jesus rides into our life every morning. The question is not whether he will come today but how you will respond when he does. Every day, we have the opportunity to join the crowds, like the disciples in verse 37, to sing, shout, and praise in a loud voice all the mighty works of the Lord. As Christians, by faith, we have seen the mighty works of God too. So, what will your response be today?
Reflection:
- Remember, as Christians, by faith, we are witnesses to Jesus’ birth, crucifixion, and resurrection. How can we contain the joy and praise found within God’s creation?
- I invite you to stop what you are doing right now and speak the words found in today’s reading: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Repeat it a few times. How does that proclamation bring good news to you? How can you share it with others?
Lord, help me to seek and find you today, like the crowds did on Palm Sunday. Remind me of your mighty works, both when you were on earth and in those times where I have seen and experienced you in my life through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lord, when I see you today in gestures of kindness, mercy, and grace, help me to rejoice with exceedingly great joy and praise to you. Amen.