We are asked to embrace our lack of control and our powerlessness over death. Are you willing to go with Jesus into the rest of his journey, or will you run away and hide?

Look into the pandemic and you will see triumphant palms waving in humble acts of love and kindness. You will see feet being washed even when shoes and socks are not removed. Will you surrender to the temporality of your life, meaning that this and every moment is priceless?

We join in the joyous crowd waving palms and shouting “Hosannas!” at the sight of Jesus. Are you drawn in by the allure of earthly treasures, victories and success?

In the shadow of the cross, do you notice more meaning and significance in your life? Do you notice a feeling of beauty and presence? Are you filled with gratitude and appreciation? Are you reflecting the new and true you?

The values we hold and claim to live show up in how we forgive others and in the places we invest our time, money and efforts. More importantly, our values dictate the way we care for and love one another. Is your life a visible sign of that love?

Part of growing older is learning how to accept the experiences of loss in our lives, and to have hope in the experiences of growth and new life to come. What have you learned from loss in your life?

We are challenged by how much we cling to the “things” of this life. If this is the “life” we place meaning on, then we will surely lose it. We must put aside the world’s focus on material things and focus our attention on service to others. How will you show your responsibility for others around you?

Unless we are prepared to let go of our ego, our status, our “reputation,” for the sake of others and respond to them from the heart, then we can never experience the breadth and depth of what it means to belong to a community. What can you do to sow seeds of love that will help to change the world?

We live in the shadow of the cross. A time when the past and the future are made present; we live in the ‘already-but-not-yet” time of anticipation and fulfillment. What does this mean for you today for your priorities and relationships?

Using the image of the seed and its harvest, Jesus reminds his disciples that the glory promised can only be achieved through the hour of death and resurrection. He died and was buried in the earth and that death was fruitful for the whole of humankind. Where do you struggle to let go of things?