As the disciples made their way into Jerusalem on that very first Palm Sunday, they processed into a city ripe with injustice, hate and uncertainty, and yet they felt great joy. It was in their great joy, that they began to sing aloud and proclaim the coming of the king.

The Pharisees tried their very best to silence them, and I can understand why.  You see, the disciples were entering an occupied city and proclaiming the coming of a new king, and that was a very dangerous thing to do. The Pharisees were nervous and afraid that the Roman authorities would take drastic action against their nation because of the announcement of a new ruler.

‘Blessed is he who comes as king in the name of the Lord!’ was the cry, ‘Hosanna’ in other words ‘save us’

The festival of passover was a time of tension when pilgrims flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate the release of Israel from the grip of the foreign power of Egypt.  It was a time full of emotion and nationalistic fervour, when many were concerned that an uprising could occur. The new foreign power, Rome recognised this and would send extra troops to reinforce their authority over Israel.

‘Blessed is he who comes as king in the name of the Lord!’ Although the procession by the disciples into Jerusalem had something to do with Roman rule, it was actually much more of an act of worship offered to God. However the Pharisees were less concerned with God and the power of God and more concerned with Rome and Roman Power.

So Jesus told the Pharisees, “If my disciples were silent, the stones will shout aloud!” Even in times of stress, injustice and uncertainty, we can find reason to proclaim God and glorify God’s name.  If we don’t do it, rest assured the creation is already doing so. The glory of God is revealed in everything we see. All creation proclaims God’s glory, even the stones. How wonderful to know that praise is an act of God’s whole creation.

‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of The Lord’ ... ‘Hosanna’ Lord Save us.

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