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The Courage to
Speak Truth
to Power

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. My memory of palm parades
as a kid and my knowledge of the significance of that story now are two quite different narratives.

This parade was not all hosannas, palm branches, and cheering crowds. This was an in-your-face political statement about declaring Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David, the one everyone had been waiting for . . . or so they thought. As predicted, this parade did not go unnoticed by the chief priests and the scribes, especially when even the children joined the cheering crowds. This entrance into Jerusalem, though humble in appearance, would set in motion the turn of events to follow.

I wonder if you have ever been in a political parade or a protest march. It certainly takes courage to stand up for something you feel strongly about, especially when it is critical of those in power or the systems they support. These types of rallies can help bring to light issues that need our attention. They also give us courage knowing that others share our concerns.

I think a lot has changed over the years when it comes to political rallies. While there are still very good reasons to speak our truth to power, it seems that everyone has their own agenda. Whose voice has the right to be heard? When is it just about individual needs instead of the good of the collective? Who has the right to inflict violence in order to make a point? Perhaps it’s time welearned to listen to one another in different ways.


This Sunday we will wave our palm leaves and sing our hosannas once again as we re-enact Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We will remember the one who dared to speak truth to power, while humbly riding in on a donkey.

Peace and joy, 

Nancy