“Hosanna!” It means, “Save us, we pray!” It’s a cry for divine mercy. It’s what the people cried out to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. They scattered tree branches and their own cloaks across the path as a sign of loyalty, echoing the story of a famous king in the Old Testament, who was anointed king. Later, these same people who declared their loyalty and cried out for divine mercy would shout, “Crucify him!” If we who would follow Jesus today do not read this as a cautionary tale, may God forgive us for our arrogance and our gullibility.
For the times we haven’t let the church truly reflect Christ to the world because we were afraid or uncomfortable: Hosanna! Save us! For the times we’ve ignored Christ by ignoring the downtrodden, the outcasts, the poor, the widows, and the orphans: Hosanna! Save us! For the times we’ve let ourselves be so swayed by the voices of those who desire power over the kingdoms of this world, that we were unable to tell the difference between politically partisan agendas and the agenda of the Kingdom of God: Hosanna! Save us! For the times we have hardened our hearts by leaning on our own understanding rather than cultivating humility and letting ourselves be shaped into the image of Christ: Hosanna! Save us! For the times we’ve wanted grace and forgiveness for ourselves, while keeping score and withholding grace and forgiveness from others: Hosanna! Save us! For the times when we have tried to justify ourselves instead of living out the reality of the grace we proclaim: Hosanna! Save us! Amen.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.