A cheering, chanting, dizzy crowdHad stripped the green trees bareAnd hailing Christ as king aloud,waved branches in the air.Thomas H. TroegerThis Sunday's Gospel recounts the events of Jesus’ triumphal entrance into the Holy City of Jerusalem. Waving palm branches, they chanted, "Hosanna," "Save us." Their shouts of adoration would soon fade and be overcome by menacing jeers of cruelty.

Just as Jesus gave new life to a man when he was dead,He can do the same for all who believe what He has said.For we all in sin are dead; resurrection life we need.Jesus died and rose again, that we might from sin be freed.All who put their trust in Him will not die but live indeed.Susan H. PetersonWhile approaching Jerusalem for the Passover Feast, Jesus receives news of Lazarus’ grave illness. Jesus delays coming to His friend’s aid. When He does come, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb in which he had been buried, and the dead man is brought to life.

This Sunday's Old Testament reading recounts the anointing of David as the king of Israel. After having mourned for the disobedience of Saul, Samuel–the prophet–finds himself being sent by God to anoint Israel's next king, David the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem.

For us, still pure and sparkling, those living waters flowOf which He told Samaria’s child long centuries ago:Forgetting thoughts of earthly pride, and hopes of worldly gain,Seek we but once of them to drink—we’ll never thirst again. Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon, "Our Saviour And The Samaritan Woman At The Well"In this week's Gospel, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman. In her day and age, she was considered inferior in every sense of the word. Compounding to her ostracized status was her dubious reputation as a woman with five husbands.Breaking every barrier and revealing His very identity, Jesus offers her a new life and a new hope.

A man named Nicodemus to Jesus came one night.He said, “We know You’ve come from God; Your wonders show His might.”In answer, Jesus did declare, “Give heed, these words are true:You cannot see God’s kingdom come unless you’re born anew.”Then Nicodemus questioned, “Reborn, how can this be?For surely none can to the womb return and new life see.”Jesus replied, “Flesh brings forth flesh, but like the blowing wind,The Spirit does give birth to spirit; thus man is born again.”- Susan H. Peterson

Then if Satan on us press,Jesus, Savior, hear our call!Victor in the wilderness,Grant we may not faint nor fall!George H. Smyttan In Christ's overcoming the tempter, we have not just an example, but also encouragement. We invite you to worship God with us and learn of the goodness of God in spite of the bitter reality of a life plagued by temptations.

In this Sunday's Gospel, we along with Peter, John, and James catch a glimpse of the transfigured Christ in a cloud of glory and hear the voice of God.As we prepare for the Season of Lent, may we ever keep our gaze affixed on the Lord Jesus Christ who can bring about a transformation in our lives and circumstances.

Whether it is a little girl walking in her mother's high heeled shoes, or a young boy imitating his father's gait, children often mimic their parents.In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus asks us to imitate our Father in heaven. Not only does He present a set of seemingly impossible directives, but presents them as actions that set us apart as children of God. Jesus doesn't ask us to do something He hasn't already done. Reviled on the cross, He loved His enemies and prayed for forgiveness for them.

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus Christ presents the traits of a life transformed; transformed by an encounter with Him.If it was said, "You shall not murder," Christ says, "You shall not be angry." If it was said, "You shall not commit adultery," Christ says, "You shall not look upon another with lust."God is calling us, each of us, to exemplify a life that has been transformed, where anger makes way for reconciliation and infidelity makes room for faithfulness.A tall order, indeed. However, the life of faith, a life transformed is not merely about us, flailing and blundering about; it is about God who will bring to completion the good work He has begun in us.

Every relationship needs tending like a garden. In order to thrive, plants need light, water, fertilizer, and pruning. It isn't effortless and painless and there is much to learn in the process of growth. Celebration of Marriage week is aimed at strengthening individual marriages, reducing the divorce rate, and building a stronger marriage culture. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can strive toward a greater depth in our marriages.