Palm Sunday: “There is Another King”

“Wherever there is a man who exercises authority, there is a man who resists authority.”

– Oscar Wilde, 1891

Sermon Text: Acts 17:1-15

Second Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

A Prayer for Today: “Almighty and everlasting God, who, of your tender love towards humankind, has sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all humankind should follow the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (BCP 1662 – Palm Sunday)

A Note of Palm Sunday from the Church of England: “As Holy Week approaches, the atmosphere of the season darkens. Bible readings begin to anticipate the story of Christ’s suffering and death. Holy Week begins with the re-enactment of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. This is the beginning of a journey of the imagination which takes us to the Upper Room for the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, through Jesus’ betrayal, trial and crucifixion on Good Friday. Easter Eve, or Holy Saturday, is a day like no other, a day of desolation and despair. In the Easter Vigil, the Church gathers to call to mind the mighty works of God through reading of scripture, in preparation for the proclamation of the resurrection, which marks the beginning of the celebration of Easter.”

Music: This Sunday, we will have a special Palm Sunday musical presentation by the Christ Church NYC Children. They will be singing “There Is a Way Back to God” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” Additionally, we will be singing “All Glory Laud and Honor.” This will be sung before the children go downstairs, so we encourage families to practice this song together during the week, in preparation for Sunday.

Reflect:

Oh, how hard it is to part with power! This one has to understand.

– Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956

“Aslan is a lion — the Lion, the great Lion.” “Oh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he — quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…“Safe?” said Mr Beaver … “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

– C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe