Palm Sunday Eve

 

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God,did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

 

 

The last few days have been overwhelming. I flew east early Friday morning after my brother called and said my Mom was at the end of her life. I flew into Philadelphia from Helena, praying she would live long enough for me to see her one more time. Driving down from there on familiar roads, all our days together passed through my mind. How sweet and complicated it is to be human. How even more challenging it is to love others, knowing that their presence will come to an end. I made it in time to spend her last hours with her. My sister Betsy and I sang and prayed with her, reading to her from Philippians, reminding her of the love that surrounded her, speaking the names of all those she loved. She left us while out of the room, but we were able to pray her on her journey on our return.

We begin a holy walk now through Holy week. Each step takes on a new meaning as we more thoroughly understand the price that was paid for all of us. Jesus steps from heralded arrival as a king to tortured and crucified enemy of the state, remind us of our humanity and the great gift of sacrificial love and salvation. We are loved so much by God that Jesus took the worst of the world on himself so that we might be forever free. Life that will survive the death of our bodies, resurrection that will come to us all.

Today I ask God for peace as we walk the road of grief. May love be the burden we bear for each other and the world today.