I started attending church just a few weeks prior, which, unexpectedly, precipitated terrible dissension at home. So in that place of clear spiritual and emotional need, the Palm Sunday’s Gospel—new to my ears—leapt off the page.

[The disciples] brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and [Jesus] sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.

The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?”

Matthew 21:7-10 (NAB)

You might feel a little war-torn this Lent. Understandably, addressing those areas in need of healing and conversion can take an emotional toll. So it’s with relief and restored hope you see Jesus riding in the distance to bring salvation. Without hesitation, you lay down your palm branch, the emblem of joy and victory.