We hear of his triumphant entrance to Jerusalem - “As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road . . . proclaiming ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Then, only days later, we listen as Jesus proclaims from the cross, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Talk about extremes – one moment praised as a king and the next crucified as a criminal. This is much more than an extreme makeover, or extreme sports or even the terrifying tests on Fear Factor! This is EXTREME FAITH!

The common message of these two instances lies in Jesus’ commitment to follow his Father – no matter what the cost. Jesus allows God to lead his heart in both moments.

Guess what? We are called to do exactly as Jesus did! The big question is, will we? Can we let ourselves trust God’s will for us during the hard moments of our lives as well as the triumphant times? Can we allow God to lead us even when we make mistakes or when a loved one dies or when we are really angry at someone? Can we truly believe the words from our Lord’s Prayer when we say - “Your will be done”?

Personally, I find that letting go and letting God so hard. I struggle to remember that God is with me even when life is a struggle or when I am in pain. So, I pray for all of us that Palm Sunday may be a time where we are reminded to keep our hearts open to God’s plan for us. May each of us learn to live an EXTREME FAITH!

Music:
Our God Is Here
by Chris Muglia

Prayer: Jesus, on this Palm Sunday, help me to welcome you into my life with the same joy that welcomed you into Jerusalem. And, during Holy Week, help me to realize that saying "yes" to you and to the practice of my faith will mean both trust and sacrifice. Help me to trust that you are always with me, guiding and protecting me, especially when my faith is challenged. And trusting you, grant me the grace to say, "Your will be done."

Amen