Palm Sunday – Blessed is He That Comes In The Name Of Te Lord

(Homily Notes for Palm Sunday by Rev. John Gishler)

Palm Sunday is a special time for me as I was ordained a priest twenty years ago on Palm Sunday. I chose Palm Sunday because it is a celebration of Jesus love and faithfulness to God in a difficult time. Jesus is the model for how to get through a difficult time on faith. On Palm Sunday we celebrate God's faithfulness in being with and saving His people.
The Isaiah Reading reminds us that Jesus had to 'set his face like flint'The words jumpeded out at me as the choice all Christians must make in our time. We all risk opposition when we declare our faith or take a stand on issues. My parents opposed my call to ministry as an example of this. Weneed to remember that Jesus challenged the religious authorities of His time. Jesus also challenged and opposed Satan. Jesus went against his family which was much more serious in His time. Jesus was betrayed by His disciples. Nice guys don't get crucified. Jesus came in the name of the lordHe was like Isaiah in giving both warnings and good news. Jesus came in fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus spoke with a new authority. He warned people about spiritual pride. He warned people about mocking God. Jesus called for repentance and new faith. He gave hope of new spiritual life where forgiveness of sins and right relationship with God was possible. Gave new hope of eternal spiritual life.



We are all called to be the one who brings good newsWe promise to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in our Baptism. Brother Alfonso story – "Those who know tell those who don't know" Jesus challenges us all to make an effort to be sure we really know the good news.

• Regular prayer time
• Regular reflection
• Alpha, Cursillo, Bible Study 

Palm Sunday – imagine arriving in HeavenThere will be a celebration of your faithfulness. It is a great honour to have spoken to people in the name of the Lord - and a terrible responsibility. We show our faithfulness in little acts of kindness, small sacrifices, words of encouragement and wisdom – or even rebuke. This is a consequence of our wisdom,  joy and excitement. I experience this myself when I preach and celebrate the Eucharist in the name of the Lord

Palm Sunday is a celebrationLent is a hard time if we have been facing our failures and preparing with repentance for Easter. Now we need to look up again at the big picture and celebrate our faithfulness.We have all come through a dark time with Jesus and need to celebrate our faithfulness


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