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Sunday, April 1, 2007

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Passion (Palm) Sunday


Luke 19:28-40 (Entrance Processional)
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:5-11
Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24

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palm pilots

"The entire crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God loudly." —Luke 19:37

Let's study the Lord's palms. First and most obvious, there are "nailprints in His hands" (Jn 20:25) from when He stretched out His hands on the cross and died so you and I could be saved from an eternity in hell without Him. There are splinters in His palms from carrying His heavy, wooden cross. Looking closer, we can see our names written in the palms of His hands (Is 49:16). In fact, we can see that He has been holding us in His hands all along (Dt 33:3).

Now let's look at the palms of the people in the crowd. Their palms are holding palm branches and waving them in praise of Jesus as He enters Jerusalem (Jn 12:13). Yet within a few days, on Good Friday, their palms will be clenched into fists as they will shout at Jesus, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" (Lk 23:21)

Now let's study your palm. The world can see what you think about Jesus simply by observing your palms. What testimony are your palms giving to the world today? What testimony will they give on Good Friday?

Prayer:  Jesus, may I die to myself, pick up my cross each day, and follow in Your footsteps (Lk 9:23), so that I may spend eternity waving palm branches in praise of You (Rv 7:9).

Promise:  "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which will be shed for you." —Lk 22:20

Praise:  Praise Jesus, Who, meek and humble, entered Jerusalem to sacrifice Himself for the salvation of all people. Alleluia!

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 16, 2006

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