The Sign of the Palms
"The Entry of Our Lord Christ into Jerusalem" by Giotto di Bondone Click here to listen to this sermon. “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’” (John 12:12–13). Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Everybody loves a parade. Indeed, parades are wonderful events! They are usually occasions for celebration. You’ve probably attended a parade celebrating a holiday, such as Independence Day or Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day. Perhaps you plan to attend an Easter parade next weekend. We even hold parades that celebrate people, such as the one honoring a hometown soldier who returns from serving in combat or to welcome home the local team who has just won a state championship. There’s a festive mood in the air. A feeling of pr...