Dear Friends,

As we begin our journey into Holy Week with our Palm Sunday procession, recalling Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, we wrestle with the image of Jesus as "King." It is our practice often to delete from our liturgical prayer imperial language which conjures up images of the Roman Empire.

Clearly, as we know, Jesus was not the kind of "king" that the Jews were awaiting, nor the kind of "Ruler" in keeping with the Empire. Jesus' way of being, a healer, a peacemaker, a seeker of justice for all people was contrary to conquering king that the Jews were expecting. More than anything, Jesus' 'ceremonial' entry into Jerusalem was a display of tremendous courage. Jesus was aware that the road ahead would not be one laced with joyful cheers and the accolades of of waving palms. He rode into Jerusalem with an awareness of his impending suffering on the horizon....yet he rode on.

As we begin our walk into Holy Week, each of us might ponder: Who is the Jesus that we are accompanying as his Passion unfolds? How are we imaging Jesus in our lives? What/Who is it week are seeking? In her recent book, "Fragments of Your Ancient Name", Joyce Rupp offers the following prayerful reflection on Jesus as the King of the Nations:

King of the Nations

Would that it were true, your authority
over the nations could cease endless war.
Would that it were true, your reign
of love in our hearts could end entitlement.
Would that it were true, your supremacy
of the mind could halt ego pursuits.
King of the Nations, Ruler of Hearts,
when will each of us turn toward you
and reflect your compassionate leadership?
When will your kingship rule my own heart?
Today: I pray for rulers of nations and for myself. (note: we would add "churches")

See the Calendar or click here for the flyer describing our schedule of prayer during the coming Holy Week. We hope that you will feel free to join us as your schedules allow.