Sunday of the Passion / Palm Year B

Question to Ponder is an invitation to prepare your hearts and minds for worship this coming Sunday. Read the scripture below by looking it up in your Bible or simply clicking the link. Reflect silently on the question, journal, or talk about the question with a friend. Come to worship on Sunday at 8am or 9:30am ready to receive God’s Word.

Introduction to the Readings
This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus in his complete human vulnerability: agitated, grieved, scared, forsaken. Though we lament Christ’s suffering and all human suffering, we also expect God’s salvation: in the wine and bread, Jesus promises that his death will mark a new covenant with all people. We enter this holy week thirsty for the completion of God’s astonishing work.

Readings
Procession with Palms: Mark 11:1-11 Jesus enters Jerusalem
Isaiah 50:4-9a The servant of the Lord submits to suffering
Mark 14:1--15:47 The passion of the Lord

Question to Ponder*
Does it matter if the same people who cried “Hosanna” later shouted “crucify him?” (Mark 11:9)

Closing Prayer
O God of mercy and might, in the mystery of the passion of your Son you offer your infinite life to the world. Gather us around the cross of Christ, and preserve us until the resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.