Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
In the readings for Sunday, we hear a lot about the Lord making all things new. I don’t know about all of you reading this, but it seems to me that our world could use a little freshening up. Drastic understatement, I know, but what I mean to say is that we are in a very tough spot. I am a college student, and some of the things I hear on a daily basis from my classmates and even some of my teachers make it very difficult to have hope for a better world. It seems like everything is so backwards. There is so much suffering and hurt. I know, I know, that’s a tough opener to read, but I promise it gets better.
It is interesting how the first reading specifically talks about Israel. That is just as relevant now as it has ever been. The Lord says, “No longer shall they defile themselves with their idols, their abominations, and all their transgressions. I will deliver them from all their sins of apostasy… I will make with them a covenant of peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them.” The state of the Middle East is terrifying, and that’s only part of the problems we’re facing. It is so easy to grow discouraged. It is easy to begin to question what God is thinking. It is easy to lose sight of the end and begin to think that nothing will ever get better.
One of my favorite things to think about in times of discouragement is that the battle for our souls has already been fought and won. Spoiler alert… the good guys win in the end! Jesus died on the cross, conquering sin and death, and won the battle for our souls. “I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.” The Lord wants to make all things new. He knows more than anyone just how bad things have gotten, and He is calling us to lean into Him and trust that He is the way to salvation. It is time to pray boldly and believe that we are being heard. It has always been time for this, but right now especially. The Lord hears our cries for help, and He desires to comfort us. We need all the help we can get at this point.
Don’t grow discouraged. In this time preparing for Easter, reflect on these readings from this week. They hold a message of hope and peace. There is no surprise twist ending. We know who won the battle for us, and He wants us to invite Him in so that He can refresh our hearts and make this world new. Not better. NEW!
