Gospel for the day - Palm Sunday

Luke 19:28-40
‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’



Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat; untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you,

“Why are you untying it?” you shall say this,

“The Lord has need of it.”

So those who were sent went away and found it as he had told them.

And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them,

‘Why are you untying the colt?’

And they said, ‘The Lord has need of it.’

And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt

they set Jesus upon it. And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. As he was drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives,

the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying,

‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’

And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him,

‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’

He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.’



This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.



Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com



Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


The entry into Jerusalem is led by Jesus and carefully planned by him, not only to fulfil Old Testament prophecies but right down to the arranged password for picking up the colt. Jesus enters Jerusalem as the Messiah who brings peace not war, riding on a colt not a warhorse. The people are blind to its significance – they’re too drunk with the notion of a leader who will wage war against Rome and win a lasting freedom for Israel. This notion disturbs the Pharisees – Jesus is trouble…


All true followers of Jesus have found his message troubling at some stage but this is a healthy tension. Having a relationship with Jesus is living with a friend who understands, challenges but also forgives.


As we enter Holy Week with Jesus let’s relive the story with him but also reflect on the implications all along the way for our lives and our situation.


  1. A close friend asks you, “Do you really believe that Jesus rose from the dead?” You answer, “Yes I do.” They ask you, “How does it show in your life?”
  2. When have you felt that you betrayed the confidence of another, as Peter did when he denied Jesus?*


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession


We pray for Pope Francis, that the Lord will strengthen him as he leads the Church to celebrate Holy week. We pray for courage, generosity and the gift of God’s boundless love as we all make the journey with Jesus from Palm Sunday to the cross on Good Friday.

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us


As we recall the welcome of the Lord into Jerusalem , we pray to receive God’s spirit of welcome, so that we see our Lord in people who are homeless, those who are disabled, immigrants, those near the end of their lives and the unborn.

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us


We bring before our heavenly Father the people of Sudan, Myanmar and the Palestinian people of the Holy Land, and all who suffer under unjust political powers. May we resist all worldly powers that lead to death with the strength that God gives, and so seek Your kingdom of justice on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us


For our faith communities in Edinburgh as we enter Holy week, that together we will realise the height, depth and breadth of God’s love for us and in turn be free to love those we find difficult to love, empowered by God’s Holy Spirit of Love

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us


We ask that those suffering from physical and mental ill health will be able to receive God’s tender care and concern through those who care for them at home, in hospital or in the community. We remember especially those who are mentioned by the Prayer Foundation. We pray for all those who care for loved ones, that they will receive the support and rest they need for their own wellbeing

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us


For those who have died recently, especially, Anne Reilly, Alex Thomson, Asok Sen Gupta, Thomas (Tam) Murphy, Gayle & Anna Walker and for those close to them, that they experience the tender compassion of God as they deal with their loss. We remember those whose anniversaries occur at this time and give thanks for the gift of their lives.

Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us



We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.


Cluster prayer

Lord continue to bless our community in this time of transition.

Help us on our journey to grow from a maintenance church to a missionary church.
Give us the courage to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and prejudice.

Kindle in us the fire of your love that all who come here will find joy, peace and love.

Make this a house of prayer and a gateway to your kingdom.

AMEN

Preparing for next week -  Easter Sunday

John 20:1-9
‘He must rise from the dead.’


On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going towards the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on the head of Jesus, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


We wish you and your loved ones a most joyful and blessed Easter!


The Prayer Resources will take a break over Easter.