Philippians 4:4-9

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. Epistle of Palm Sunday

The combined celebration of the raising of Lazarus and today’s entrance into Jerusalem accompanied by hymns of praise provide an important hinge between Great Lent and Holy Week. We join in the praise of the innocent children who raise their palms of victory acknowledging the Lord’s triumph over death in his raising of Lazarus.

But we, like the disciples, know that a conspiracy against Jesus has already been initiated. And we know that some of the very people who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem will soon turn against him and call for his death. And we know that he will face humiliation and death.

The epistle reading from St. Paul to the Philippians provides guidance for us to understand, appreciate, and live our lives this Holy Week.

whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Saint Paul also advises us to have no despair:

…about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We will have struggles in our faith, our doubts, and anxiety, but especially this week we are reminded how we who confess to live as Christ lives in in us.

Jesus entered Jerusalem gentle and humble of heart. He entered not riding on some grand horse but on a donkey.  He came not as some regal warrior or king in our common understanding , not to be served, but to serve and give his life for us. And in giving himself, he welcomes us. In our joy, in our singing, we pray that he perceives our longing for Him. In Him we place our trust.