Good morning. It’s Palm Sunday. And welcome to our online worship.
After the relative sobriety of the days of Lent, this feels like a dawn of light, and
colour, and ecstatic jubilation. But we know that the underlying currents running through Palm Sunday are as dark as anything we have seen so far. “Hosanna to the Son of David” they shout, welcoming their Messiah. But it’s a case of mistaken identity. This is not their Messiah at all - their Messiah should be a great nationalist leader - one who will raise the nation to greatness, and the first task will be to throw out the Roman oppressors.
This Messiah is the Son of God, incarnate. Come to redeem all and open the
gateway to eternal life.
During this week the Very Revd David Arnott will be leading us through the
dramatic days that happened next.
Meantime, when the bells fade away, you can join in our first hymn - Ride on, ride on in majesty - led for us by our own Old Parish choir. Recorded virtually under Covid 19 conditions. So let us worship God.
Palm Sunday
HYMN: Ride on! Ride on in majesty
PRAYER
Loving God, as we step into Holy Week, we remember your
triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We sing your praises,
shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” You alone are the true
King, the leader greater than all others. Even so, in your great
mercy you chose to become like us, taking on human form and
living among us. As we celebrate and shout “Hosanna” today,
may we remember what will soon follow. Keep us faithful in
word and deed, and help us to love you always. We ask this
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
LESSON
Mark 11; 1-11
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany,
near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples
and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately
as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden;
untie it and bring it.
If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The
Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'"
They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the
street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying
the colt?"
They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take
it.
Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and
he sat on it.
Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread
leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.
Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
"Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in
the highest heaven!"
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he
had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to
Bethany with the twelve
REFLECTION
Hymn: Make way, make way (Graham Kendrick © 1986 Thankyou Music)
PRAYER (Please join in the response)
We, too, welcome Jesus, the Son of David, the one who comes
in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Holding our palm
branches, let us acclaim Christ, the Lord.
To Jesus, the True Light, who illumines the darkness and brings
us hope during difficult times.
R/. Hosanna to the Son of David!
To Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who models compassion and
inclusion, sensitivity and goodwill.
R/. Hosanna to the Son of David!
To Jesus, who shows us by example how to accompany others,
offering gentle guidance and direction.
R/. Hosanna to the Son of David!
To Jesus, the Great Healer, who cares for the sick with
tenderness and mercy, showing love to heal body, mind,
and spirit.
R/. Hosanna to the Son of David!
To Jesus, who died so that we might rise to new life.
R/. Hosanna to the Son of David!
Prayers of Intercession:
Confident that Jesus Christ hears our prayer, let us offer our
petitions with open hearts.
For all people in positions of leadership: May they work
tirelessly for peace and justice to ensure the common good for
all.
For all families and communities, who are finding life difficult at
this time: May they know the tenderness and compassion of
Christ in the words and actions of those around them.
For all who are working to care for those suffering from
covid-19. May the Lord be their strength in these days.
For all who keep essential services operating for us: may they
experience respect and kindness from all whom they
encounter.
For our own needs this day: (a moment of silence)
Loving God, We praise you in a special way today as we
celebrate Palm Sunday. Be with us as we begin our journey
through Holy Week that we may draw closer to you, knowing
suffering and death, yet remaining hopeful in the life you
promise. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
(All prayers today © Diocese of Cork & Ross)
HYMN: Praise to the holiest in the height
THE BLESSING and BENEDICTION
Be bold to share the life of Christ
and show his love.
And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
be among you and remain with you always. Amen
Voluntary
For those who signed up, remember the Evening Service on Zoom tonight at 7pm
Join us here tomorrow for the first of our Holy Week daily Services
and before you go.
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