Psalm 118 & The Path to Palm Sunday
By The Rev. Sandy Key
Readings for March 22, 2024: Preparing for Palm Sunday
Psalm 118 is often associated with praise, thanksgiving, and acknowledging God's steadfast love and faithfulness. In the shadow of Palm Sunday, this psalm holds special significance as a meditation on the events of Palm Sunday and our journey with Jesus towards Easter.
On Palm Sunday, we will commemorate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where the crowds welcomed Jesus, waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!" As we process into our Sanctuary, we replicate the crowd's actions, reminding us of Jesus' messianic mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Psalm 118, with its words of praise and exaltation, captures the jubilant atmosphere of that day and serves as a fitting backdrop for the celebration of Christ's kingship and victory over sin and death.
On Palm Sunday, we are reminded of God's enduring faithfulness and love, as demonstrated through the life and death of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's words of thanksgiving and deliverance echo the cries of the faithful who lined the road into Jerusalem, acknowledging their hope and trust in God's saving work in their lives and the world.
Psalm 118 serves as a call to worship, a proclamation of faith, and a reminder of God's steadfast love and mercy. It points to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, as it foreshadows the events of Easter and its promise of new life in Christ. The psalm encourages us to reflect solemnly as we prepare for the upcoming Triduum. It guides us to approach the coming days with our eyes wide open, focusing on God's victory over death, which is only a week away.
As we bring these Lenten reflections to a close, I pray that not only will Psalm 118 serve as a source of inspiration, comfort, and hope on your journey through Holy Week toward the joy of Easter but that all the past reflections have bolstered your faith throughout the season. I invite you to revisit this psalm—and any of your favorite reflections from the past weeks—throughout the coming days, reflecting on the majesty of Christ, the faithfulness of God, and the promise of salvation for all who put their trust in the Almighty Trinity.
