Collect for Palm Sunday

This week we Lectio the Liturgy with the Collect for Palm Sunday.

Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow, caused our Savior to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

In the “Who” section of the prayer, we learn that Jesus taking on flesh and submitting to the cross is an example of humility that we should follow. Actually, if we look closely at the example of humility from God, we see that the life and death of Jesus didn’t benefit God at all. He did it because He has great love for us and because He was selfless.

How do we follow his example? Love selflessly. That’s definitely easier said than done, and because of our human nature, we will probably never be completely selfless. Fortunately, God has already done that and not only is He is good at helping us, he will always forgive us when we fall.

Jesus is the most humble man to walk the face of the earth. He had nothing, He gave everything without expecting anything in return. His humility allowed Him to live a life of love.

In the “Do” section of the prayer, we pray that we heed his lesson, or example, of patient suffering.

Patient suffering. Those two words are typically not used together. It seems much more comfortable to be in miserable suffering.

I found it interesting that in the Latin form of the prayer, for the word patient, we find the word patientiae and the first definition is quality of suffering.

If you want an example of patient suffering look no farther than Holy Week. In one week we begin with a triumphant parade and end with a crucifixion, however, in between, we find Jesus sweating drops of blood in a garden, scourged at a pillar, and nailed to a cross, all out of love. He didn’t lash out, He didn’t murmur or complain. He patiently accepted what came.

To “merit a share” in the glorified life of the Resurrection will depend on what we do with suffering. Our suffering comes in many ways, big and small, from being at a conference with a loud (but very good) worship band and even louder extroverts to sitting with a loved one as they await a birth to eternal life.

It is important to remember that there is some suffering we are not expected to endure. We should pursue treatment for a health problem. We should not allow ourselves to stay in an abusive situation. Suffering may cause some heartache, and on the other hand, suffering should also make us more like Christ. Through His suffering, Jesus learned obedience. (Heb 5:8) In His obedience, He found favor with the Father.

That’s a pretty good goal for this week, isn’t it? Walking with Jesus, sharing our suffering with Him, and in exchange, sharing in the glory of His Resurrection.

Thanks for praying with me,
Julie