Palm/Passion Sunday – Live-Stream Link for Apr 2, 2023

Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus comes to Jerusalem as King
Jesus' Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem

INTRODUCTION
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.

Biblical vector illustration series. Way of the Cross or Stations of the Cross, Pilate condemns Jesus to die.
Christ appears before Pilate

Click on either the picture above or the following link to access the April 2, 2023 Live-Stream Worship Service:

Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion Live-Stream Worship

SCRIPTURE READINGS:
Link to the Liturgy of the Palms
Link to the Liturgy of the Passion
Palm Sunday Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11
     “Hosanna to the Son of David!
     Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
     Hosanna in highest heaven!”
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a
The servant of the Lord expresses absolute confidence in his final vindication, despite the fact that he has been struck and spit upon. This characteristic of the servant played an important role in the early church’s understanding of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Psalm: Psalm 31:9-16
Into your hands, O LORD, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)
Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Paul uses an early Christian hymn to help us comprehend Jesus’ obedient selflessness on the cross and how God has made Christ lord over all reality. The perspective of the cross becomes the way we rightly understand God, Christ, our own lives, and fellowship within the community of Christ.
Gospel: Matthew 26:14—27:66
In fulfillment of scripture and obedience to God’s will, Jesus goes to the cross so that a new covenant in his blood may bring forgiveness of sins. Even the soldiers who crucify him recognize him to be the Son of God.

O God of mercy and might, in the mystery of the passion of your Son you offer your infinite life to the world. Gather us around the cross of Christ, and preserve us until the resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen