Mason First Presbyterian Church
131 E Maple Street, Mason, MI 48854
                (517) 676-9333
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Palm/Passion Sunday

Palm/Passion Sunday is, by design, a day of drama and paradox, of triumph and tragedy.  As the service begins, a crowd gathers, waving branches and shouting "Hosanna" (Hebrew for save us), and wanting to crown Jesus as king.  But as the story of Christ's passion unfolds, the shouts of praise turn into demands for his death.  Jesus is handed over to be mocked, tortured, and killed; the crown he receives is one of thorns.  For a number of reasons, it is important to preserve the paradox of Palm/Passion Sunday, celebrating this liturgy in its fullness.  First, the service is established on the theological principle that Jesus' death and resurrection cannot be separated.  It insists that we not avoid the cross - God's way of glory leads through the grave.  Indeed, there is a clear path through this service, connecting Jesus' journey to Jerusalem with his triumphal entry into the new Jerusalem, where the white-robed multitudes will again take up their palms, shouting: "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Rev. 7:9-10).  Second, since many people are unable to attend the midweek worship services of Holy Week, the Palm/Passion liturgy ensures that they will hear the whole story of Jesus' dying and rising - not skipping from "hosanna" to "hallelujah."  Third, this pattern of worship at the beginning of Holy Week has ancient origins, dating to at least the fourth century and reflecting the theological, pastoral, and liturgical wisdom of the early church.

Because this is such a full service, it is appropriate to allow the story of scripture to speak for itself; a brief sermon, if any, will suffice.  The extended reading of the passion narrative is most effectively presented when it is divided among several readers, perhaps representing major characters in the story.  The celebration of the Eucharist is an especially significant part of this service, as it follows from the Gospel reading and embraces the complex themes of the liturgy.

COLOR: purple or red

- from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (2018)

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