Even though Palm Sunday is not one of my favorite occasions, it is usually one of our most memorable, and today's service was no exception, with the reading of the Passion Gospel complete with the mob cries from the congregation, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" and the mournful minor chords of most of the hymns and anthems. To balance the re-enactment of the tragedy of Jesus' last week is the hope of the Resurrection Life that we know is coming. Signs are everywhere, especially in the green grass overtaking the dreary patches of winter brown, the palms used to decorate the church, and the flowers that surround and permeate the courtyard, especially cheerful since during Lent we've had no flowers or greenery inside the nave. The whole salvation narrative - from death into everlasting life - is made more real during this time of remembering the events that lead to Easter. (Photo by Bob Rall)

It's a highly demanding week of clergy and choir members, so remember us in your prayers. I'll be at home only one night this week - Tuesday. Monday night I'm going to the gym for a new water class with a different instructor. Weds. - Sat. nights will find me at the church - choir rehearsal on Weds, Maundy Thursday (complete with foot washing), Good Friday service at noon, Stations of the Cross that evening, Easter Vigil on Saturday. Sunday, of course, is Resurrection Day, which begins the 50 Days of Easter until The Day of Pentecost. During those 50 Days, St. Philip's will host musical concerts every Thursday night, and there isn't one scheduled that I want to miss.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day to all on Monday!

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine sweet upon your face

May the rains fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

For a special St. Patrick's Meditation click here.