Palm/Passion Reflection

There are a number of things happening in our worship today - and a significant selection of scriptures to hear from; and we are invited to listen, to hear, to consider, and to apply the lessons that are before us.

So I'm going to highlight one theme very briefly today.

It is this: be kind.

It's what Jesus has said directly to his followers. Be kind.

Be kind to those who spend money differently than you would - the woman buying nard or the young person buying a latte.

Be kind to the people who come together to share a meal - the Lord's supper can take place at a formal dining table or at a soup kitchen.

Be kind to those whose desperation causes them to act with poor judgement - there was no name-and-shame towards Judas as we should not cast judgement through gossip.

Be kind to those who tell you difficult truths about yourself - even after identifying his disciples as future deserters, Jesus still loved them.

Be kind to those who seek peace above all - Jesus would not let violence distress the soldiers sent to arrest him, for they were merely doing their jobs.

Be kind to those who will twist and pervert words for their own political agenda - Judas, the war machine, the gun lobby - instead we pray for those in political authority.

Be kind to those who deny the truth: Peter's private grief was greater than anything anyone else could have said, and he needed his friends to help him continue on.

Be kind to those who will witness in silence - *pause*

Be kind to those who do what is popular instead of doing what is right; as anyone can be caught up in the moment when a parade or rally is underway.

Be kind to those who change their minds - someone's heart can turn to God at any time; we may not be there to see it.

Be kind to those you encounter  - for, like Joseph, or Mary Magdalene, or the mother of Jesus - you never know when one is carrying a heavy heart.

Be kind.

Jesus tells us we will always have the poor with us - the poor in finances, the poor in spirit, the poor in health, the poor in kindness. 

May we hear what Jesus told us, so long ago - to be kind to those whom God has put in our midst, no matter how awkward or difficult or unpleasant or unconventional. For it is kindness that will help us to seek and serve Christ.