As we come to the last few weeks of Lent, we enter a profound period in our walk with Christ.  Palm Sunday reenacts Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a humble donkey.  At the other end of town Caesar was entering Jerusalem atop a noble steed, with his phalanxes of guards in tow.  The royal robes of Rome's king contrast starkly with the simple robe and sandals Jesus likely wore.  The people stand in awe of Rome's power at one gate.  "Hail, Caesar!"  At the other end of town, people cheer a different kind of king, shouting out "Hosanna!" which means "save us" -- a stark contrast between these two kings, one temporal and one heavenly.

On Palm Sunday, March 25, we also commemorate Jesus' passion and death as we read and remember Jesus' final day on earth -- his arrest, his trial and his crucifixion.  We depart in silence after the service.  

We will have a Maundy Thursday service with foot washing, commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper and stripping of the altar, followed on Good Friday by a service of remembrance as we walk and pray the Stations of the Cross and receive Communion from the Reserve Sacrament.

On Saturday, March 31, we will celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter at 7:00 pm with the Easter Vigil.  This candlelit service remembers God's saving deeds for us and leads us into the joy of the Resurrection.  If you have not experienced this quiet and joyful awakening to God's gift to us of eternal life, I commend to you this service.  Those who attended last year were universally moved by the experience.

I commend to you the walk with Jesus during Holy Week. Participating in these services makes the joy of Easter and the Resurrection a richer and deeper experience.