David

The liturgy of Palm Sunday is designed to reflect the dramatic mood swing that accompanies the events of that day when Jesus was triumphantly welcomed into Jerusalem, only to face his rejection and crucifixion a few days later. On one occasion, I experienced the excitement, especially among the children, when a live donkey led the procession into the church. More difficult is the challenge of helping the congregation adjust to the change of mood as we read the Passion a few minutes later.

During Lent have we passed judgment on anyone?  On social media say, which thrives on it, or at home, at work, perhaps in church, wherever we find ourselves. Often, we criticise others so we feel satisfied we’re not like them, and as we do, we happily deflect attention from our own lives.

The parable in this week’s gospel tells us about the experience of being loved. It is about a father who shares his love equally with both his sons and as they mature into adulthood, he gives them space to make their own decisions.