Blessed

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:1-11

We read the story of what we now know as the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, what we celebrate on Palm Sunday, which this year is a way off. We had a messy winter storm, inches of snow followed by rain and wicked wind. Here in Massachusetts, spring is not around the corner, nor is Easter. We find that we all want spring and summer this time of year. Yet the first Easter was preceded by great horror and a terrible passion. Bigger than the storms most of us face. May we, as we long for warmer weather, safer times, and places of welcome, remember that resurrection is always preceded by turmoil, storms and strife. May we hold on to the blessings of today and trust God for better tomorrows.

Mysterious Creator, you planted us here 

in organized gardens and wild jungles

your blessings reach every place and person

and we are never far from your embrace.

The storms of this season overwhelm us

we hide from the terrors outside our doors

we think we have been abandoned by love

and justice and blessings are never coming.

Yet you live in terrorizing and cruel times

knowing the joys and fears we live with now

and you suffered death so we might live

hold us close until your blessings return again. Amen.