Mark 11:1-11
As they approached Jerusalem, near the towns of Bethphage and Bethany, they came to the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of his disciples on ahead with these instructions: “Go to the village there ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. And if someone asks you why you are doing that, say that the Master needs it and will send it back at once.”
So they went and found a colt out in the street, tied to the door of a house. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders asked them, “What are you doing, untying that colt?”
They answered just as Jesus had told them, and the crowd let them go. They brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the animal, and Jesus got on. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches in the field and spread them on the road. The people who were in front and those who followed behind began to shout, “Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord!  God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise be to God!”
Jesus entered Jerusalem, went into the Temple, and looked around at everything. But since it was already late in the day, he went out to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

Reflection

The walk that Jesus took was entered into not lightly nor selfishly; rather, in covenantal relationship with God. He stepped forward with God, with certainty of action. He walked onwards, knowing he was not welcomed by all. Jesus highlighted injustice, supported the vulnerable and poor, welcomed strangers, was hospitable to those who were set aside, offered hope where hope had foundered or was even decimated. His certainty and inner strength of right heart and right soul, right thinking and right action, modelled a new way of being. As we walk in our faith journey, it may put us at odds with wider society – with regards to the vulnerable and disposed; where we highlight inequalities or unjust practices; where the economy of people and earth trump the economy of power and money; where recognition, reconciliation and restitution with our First Peoples calls for change in governing and political practices; when we stand firm on non-violence, sustainable, ethical environmental practices, and continuing to speak out for those who have lost their voice. This Palm Sunday, let us honour our covenant with God, step forward and walk our faith.