Palm/Passion Sunday
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1–15:47
The passion narrative that opens our Holy Week celebration is still very much good news. Jesus, the rabbi from little Nazareth, was willing to go through all that so we could always have another chance to reconcile with God and everything God made. Despite this, it may be hard to take it all in.
However, Mark provides us with a gift. At the beginning of the narrative, bracketed between the plot to kill Jesus and the betrayal, an unnamed Lady is lifted to the scene (14:3-8). Everybody else seems not to fully grasp the meaning of what is about to happen. On the other hand, she somewhat sees the moment and is ready to extend lavish generosity to the servant (see Psalm 41) who is about to save the world.
The servant, according to the prophet Isaiah, has the knowledge and courage to face the trespasses about to be committed against them due to their absolute trust in God’s promises of salvation.
From imprisonment, Paul writes to the faith community that had struggled alongside him to do ministry together for Christ (Phi. 1:29-30). While still practicing their faith in difficult and uncertain times, he pleas them to remain in the humble and courageous mind of Christ Jesus (2:5), confessing that he is Lord (11).
The psalmist prays:
14But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord.
I have said, “You are my God.
15My times are in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
16Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, ELW).”
Bridging Faith 