Hosanna in the Highest
Posted on Mar 28, 2023 by Shari Van Baale
This Sunday is Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion and the start of Holy Week. Salem children and youth will enter the sanctuary waving palms to commemorate Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. They will read the Passion of Christ, the story of Jesus prior to his being arrested until his death on the cross. We will hear of his brutal suffering. But before that, we triumphantly shout Hosanna.
“The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ ” (Matthew 21:9)
Jesus entered the city in triumph and was honored as a king. The people waved palm branches, as we do today.
Holy Week is an emotional roller coaster. We cheer as Jesus enters Jerusalem, then are humbled as we wash each other’s feet and take Communion on Maundy Thursday, cry as he is crucified on Good Friday, then are astounded and cheer again when the tomb was empty three days later.
We begin Holy Week shouting “Hosanna,” and proclaim “He is risen indeed” on Easter. What happens between is an intimate time to reflect on God’s love and the blessings we have been given, as well as the sorrow that has happened in our lives. Life is a series of ups and downs, and all can be experienced during the coming week.
Shari Van Baale
Salem Communications Coordinator