As I was writing, I keep moving from a joyful Palm Sunday benediction to a benediction that attempted to convey the variety of emotions present on Passion Sunday. I wanted to stay with Palm Sunday and focus on the gospel lesson. On Palm Sunday, I like to wave a palm, join in a procession of palm brach wavers, and be joyful. I am not against Passion Sunday where the whole Holy Week story is read. It just wasn’t what I wanted as the focus for this benediction.
This is a responsive benediction with palm waving!
One-Blessed in the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
All-Hosanna! (wave palms).
One-Blessed are all God’s children.
All-Hosanna! (wave palms).
One-Blessed are we to hear God’s word and share God’s love with each other.
All-Hosanna! (wave palms).
One-Blessed are we as we journey through Holy Week.
All-Hosanna! (wave palms).
One-Feel and know the love of God this week as we walk with Jesus and experience the Holy Spirit moving among us.
All-Hosanna! (wave palms).
One-Amen!