By Judy Luffman of Redmond, Oregon, USA

As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

Palm Sunday

Our Lenten journey has brought us to this Sunday when we choose either to remember the celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, or to reflect on the entire story of Passion Week that leads to Easter. Either way, there is something in the account in Luke 19 that captures my attention, and maybe yours, too.

As Jesus and the disciples were heading toward Jerusalem, he sent two of them ahead to do something that may have seemed really awkward. Did they ask questions for clarification? Did they tell Jesus they thought it was a really strange thing to do? Did they resist the request?

Wondering about those unwritten possibilities directed my thinking to my own discipleship journey. Would I have been as compliant as they ultimately were to act on such a bold request?

Like most of us in our faith community I have been asked, sometimes invited, and sometimes coerced to do things that were uncomfortable or challenging. I ask questions to try to understand the scope of the request. Then I tend to weigh my response by how it makes me feel to say yes. Does it increase my stress level too much to contemplate whatever was asked? Would it interfere with other plans? Would I have the necessary time and aptitude to fulfill expectations for the task?

When I reflect on this part of the gospel story and read between the lines, the two Jesus instructed to head into town just went and did what he had asked. Why does our human mind create obstacles to doing likewise in times when we sense the Holy Spirit nudging us toward something: a task, a phone call; heading up a social activity for seekers; accepting a leadership position in our congregation; or talking to a fellow traveler?

What would you have done if you had been chosen for the task Jesus set before those two disciples? How does that guide your response when you sincerely ask, “Where will your Spirit lead today?”

Prayer Phrase

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).

Spiritual Practice

Tears of Compassion

Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.