SPRINGING FORTH
Winter amnesia had set in.
My memory of the
colorful autumn season
had faded months ago.
Exactly when I thought I
could not stand seeing winter’s
monochromatic landscape
one more day
Bright yellows, purples, and greens
make the first move to
scooch us swiftly out of
winter doldrums and
varying levels of malaise.
Unexpectedly, a solitary
blooming meadowlark
forsythia bush catches my eye and
I cannot help but smile
with my entire being!
At once the sun peaks
through the clouds while bright
yellow sets upon spring green to
revive this dreary grey day.
God’s love springs forth from the earth.
Creator’s love refuses to let go!
Luke 19: 28-40
Procession into Jerusalem
29 As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’” 32 Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “Its master needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. 36 As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road. 37 As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. 38 They said, “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.” 39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
Life Emerges
The Palm Sunday procession is a sign of spring as surely as blooming trees and flowers. As Jesus comes in peace on a borrowed donkey that is escorted by disciples who have no armor or arms, he demonstrates true power.
In these times we still see people in our world who attempt to show their power in violent ways. We can see through their egocentric insanity. It grieves us and we pray for all involved.
At the same time, we are grateful for Jesus who demonstrates God’s ways and fulfills his life purpose as he is asked to show that all people are valuable and beloved.
God’s ways are easily seen in nature if we have a sense of wonder. Life emerges from what appears as dead. During winter we tend to curl up in a blanket and draw inward. As spring comes and our eyes opened to God’s beautiful world, the blooms themselves shout for joy!
May we be like the people in the crowd that day who cannot help themselves. They shout out and give witness to the One who is King of our lives as they say:
“Hosanna! Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven.”
Dear ones, God’s love and peace to each of you,
Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view or download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2022-04-06