March 28th, Palm Sunday

Isaiah 50: 4-7, Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24, Philippians 2: 6-11, Luke 22: 14 – 23: 56

2009 was a challenging year for me, likely for many of you too. I was laid off from work in March, my Dad died in May and my sister-in-law was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, only partially removed with surgery, and not responding to Chemo.

That’s a lot in just one year. And it does not even consider the disastrous economy and other personal difficulties that we often all encounter in any one year. How do we manage things like this? How do we manage the stress, feelings of hopelessness or fear?

How must Jesus have felt already knowing the horrific fate that awaited him? Even as he took his place at the last supper table with his apostles, he simply said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer….” This beautiful man came to earth ultimately to suffer and die for our sins, yet he was always filled with grace, kindness and forgiveness.

How frightened and hopeless Jesus must have felt knowing not just the time and hour of his death, but exactly how painfully he would die, yet he continued to live with resolve, patience and generosity……not an easy thing to do.

Yet Jesus tells us that He is always with us, which means that whether we turn to him or not, He will never forsake us, He will always be there, to listen, to help. He waits for us at His table every day, to share his “body and blood”; He meets us daily in the people and events of our lives – always loving us, always nurturing us.

This life is not easy, nor did anyone promise it would be. We need each other, we need Jesus. When I remember that, remember to turn to Jesus daily, even if only for a brief prayer on some days, I know He will be there.

Maybe this Palm Sunday, as Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem, we can welcome him into our hearts forever with the knowledge that He will always be there – no matter what.

Bonnie Falcone, formerly in banking and health care, retired in 2009, parishioner for 15+ years, blessed with good friends and family in my life (and 1 dog and 1 cat!).