Patrick Preacher
Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to be part of the crowd welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem? Perhaps you’d be excited or nervous as you wave palm branches with shouts of “Hosana!” Palm branches were waved as Jesus entered Jerusalem not only in celebration, but also in protest. The people gathered were proclaiming their truth. They were naming Jesus as their King even as they were under the rule of the Roman Empire. These shouts of “Hosana!” were joyful shouts of praise and celebration, but also cries for salvation. Do you ever wonder what that must have been like?
If you’ve ever been to a Pride parade I think you have a sense of that Palm Sunday feeling. In lieu of palms, rainbow flags wave above head as people shout “Love is love!” Truth and hope are the themes of the day as LGBTQIA+ people celebrate who God creates them to be. Together at Pride, we envision a future in which trans people aren’t legislated against and murdered. Together we dream of a day when queer people don’t have to come out of the closet because the closet is no longer needed as a place to hide. At Pride, we dream of God’s Kingdom! When we see sinful signs saying “Repent! The Kingdom is at hand!” We know the sign is partly true. God’s kingdom is at hand in that very place, in that moment, on that street, and in the eyes of those dancing, singing, and living! I personally, have never been to a Pride parade or festival in which I didn’t experience the Holy Spirit as tangibly present.
Wave your palm branches today, but also your rainbow flags! Sing hosanas in the face of prejudice, queerphobia, and persecution. Know that in God’s Kingdom, you are, without exception, loved, honored, valued, affirmed, welcomed, and celebrated!
