It seems to me that starting this Lenten Season brought a more sober look at what is going on in the world around us.

This week is different from all the rest. We are pilgrims reflecting on the most powerful week in the history of the universe.

Palm Sunday we see the triumphant procession into Jerusalem, "The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road,
while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.  The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying:  “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.”
 
Then the days with those closest to him on Passover - Holy Thursday- his last meal on earth instituting for the first time the new covenant. He offers himself in lifting the bread and wine - saying take this all of you and eat it this is my body, my blood. Now the many beside him become fewer as he faces the agony in the garden alone.

Friday the crowds are back shouting crucify him, crucify him–The Lamb - Jesus carrying the cross, beaten and mocked, spat upon and crucified. At the end of the the crowds leave and left are his mother, John and a few women to  prepare him for burial.
Saturday he has taken captivity captive and on the third day RESURRECTION!

Which of us are throwing down palm branches? Who among us is taking off our cloaks and shouting Hosanna? Are we the ones saying crucify Him? Or are we helping prepare his body for burial? Are we among the faithful shouting, He is Risen, Alleluia?

I think we we are all the above at different times in our lives.

We shout and sing His praises, we take our cloaks off and give to those in need, some lift high the banner of abortion calling crucify, others reach out with medicine and anointing oil to prepare the body for life or death, we are the Alleluia people as well.

I pray this week be a special pilgrimage for you, that you see The Face in every face and thank God for His Mercy and Grace for each season of life.

Oftentimes it is difficult to see how God is going to work all the complexities facing us in this world we live in, - our comfort is that He will and is working all things for good for those who love Him.